40oz

I was watching the history channel the other day completely wasted and i saw a special on the civil rights movement. Everytime a protester was a arrested they simple went "limp" they did not resist and they did not particpate in their detainment in anyway. They effectivly just fell on their stomachs, and layed there while the officers then cuffed them and carried them away. I am curious if in the 1950's and 1960's these people recieved any additional punishment for their non particapation in their arrest. If an individual did this today what would happen? Would they recieve additional charges; or would the police merely excpet this as a passive way for an individual to protest laws they do not believe in?

40oz

Niteshift

Depending on the jurisdiction, you might be charged with Obstruction or resisting without violence.

Also, if you're on private property, you're likely to be charged with trespassing. If you're obstructing public property, you may be charged with that.

Some departments in California have used spray to encourage movement. At least one went to the point of applying it with a Q-tip to the eyes of demonstrators that were trying to keep their eyes closed during a sit-down protest.

To be honest, protests like that are generally ineffective.

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A burning desire for social justice is never a substitute for knowing what you're talking about. -Thomas Sowell

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mindraver

it can be considered resisting arrest and Niteshift is right in saying that they will not hesitate to use pepper spray, but ive never heard of the q-tip thing before. i speak from personal experience that getting sprayed is not fun and can stay in your eyes for hours after initial contact with the eyes.

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Shaman

The Q-tip thing happened to people protesting the cutting of old growth redwoods in the Headwaters area near Eureka, CA. Pretty Effed Up if you ask me.

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40oz

Didnt the police department in california get in serious trouble for applying the pepper spray with a qtip. I believe that they ruled it as cruel and unusual punishment because the pepper spray was not applied according to the manufactures instructions. It seems asthough the police are almost forcing protesters to violence by not allowing them safe noviolent ways to protest. In a situation when it is not on public property, such as an officer pulls you over for driving under the influence and arrests you. Is it nesscary for you to walk to the car or can you lay on the ground and inform them that you are protesting and you are not resisting arrest you are merely not helping them detain you in anyway. Isnt it their responsiblity as the arresting officer to get you safely into the car.

40oz