Quote:
Originally Posted by CaptainCrunch
Boy based on that, we really need to change the charter, way to handcuff the police.
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Well, I know that in cases like this, where a guy is clearly breaking the law, and has a loaded weapon, it seems a bit stupid. However, you need to remember that these laws are in place to protect INNOCENT people. Remember that you are innocent until proven guilty.
Illegal search and seizure is a very dicey issue. Totalitariam regimes are really quite good at restricting the liberties of their citizens through fear, and an invasive, illegal (in North America) search, is a good way to instill fear of the power of the police state. In order to maintain freedom, privacy, and other basic civil liberties, we need to be careful about allowing state sponsored law enforcement to do as they please.
I know that these laws may fail 'justice' from time to time, as it probably did in this case, but the alternative is moving a step closer to totalitarianism. We are all proud of our rights and freedoms in a democratic country, don't be so quick to give them away.
Hunter Thompson, in his work and writing with the Fourth Amendment Foundation, was able to state these things much more eloquently than me. For a good look at the importance of having these laws, see his work on the topic.