I have been waiting like a kid before Christmas for this kind of thing to pop.

Leaving satisfied.

She did have a special hat. I mean you can't possibly interfere in what the police are doing if you have a special hat.

Oh and the NY Supreme Court is the regular day to day court, not the top Court in the state.

I followed the via links train to two tumblr accounts.. Can someone point me to the direction of where I'm supposed to take this seriously?

JesusGaveMuhammadAFacial: Yes, please, corporate-bought NYPD.. please start assaulting people who can make legal orders for your arrest, especially farking NY SUPREME COURT JUDGES.

She's retired from the SC but still working (until 2016) as a civil judge. I sure she knows many, many folks in high, and low, places.

There's a holdup in the Bronx, Brooklyn's broken out in fights. There's a traffic jam in Harlem that's backed up to Jackson Heights. There's a scout troop short a child, Kruschev's due at Idlewild. Car 54, where are you?

2wolves: JesusGaveMuhammadAFacial: Yes, please, corporate-bought NYPD.. please start assaulting people who can make legal orders for your arrest, especially farking NY SUPREME COURT JUDGES.

She's retired from the SC but still working (until 2016) as a civil judge. I sure she knows many, many folks in high, and low, places.

The Supreme Court in NYS is not the highest court. It is the common day to day trial Court. It is analogous to a Circuit Court in other jurisdictions. In NYS judges are elected for 14 year terms.

The highest court in NYS is the Court of Appeals.

Who appointed these 'legal observers'? Are there illegal observers - of which she may be if she interfered with the cops.

Does the term observe have a meaning which I don't understand. Dont' observers observe and report, not yell at the cops? One would think a judge would know the proper forum for redress of any improper action would be a Court.

Is the fact that she was employed by a union for seven years mentioned? Can she be an impartial 'legal observer' with a special hat?

some African-American woman

Jim Crow cop credo: If they're black, it's OK to attack.

Police are destroying their own image day by day.

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

quickdraw: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

Wow, that is great! You should mail it to the President or something, we should have that as some sort of law.

It should also include a special hat immunity clause.

feckingmorons: quickdraw: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

Wow, that is great! You should mail it to the President or something, we should have that as some sort of law.

It should also include a special hat immunity clause.

Your failure to understand New York State politics is unbounding. Your bounty is as boundless as the seas. The more you give to us, the more you look like an idiot. This cop is toast.

Legal Observing

The National Lawyers Guild Legal Observer program was established in 1968 in New York City in response to protests at Columbia University and city-wide antiwar and civil rights demonstrations. That same year, Guild students organized for the defense of people swept up in mass arrests at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago.

The Legal Observer program is part of a comprehensive system of legal support designed to enable people to express their political views as fully as possible without unconstitutional disruption or interference by the police and with the fewest possible consequences from the criminal justice system. In addition to Legal Observers, Guild attorneys often provide legal defense for protesters who are arrested and bring civil litigation if needed.

Legal Observers are typically, but not exclusively, law students, legal workers and lawyers who may or may not be licensed locally. Legal Observers are trained and directed by Guild attorneys, who often have established attorney-client relationships with activist organizations, or are in litigation challenging police tactics at mass assemblies.

The presence of Legal Observers may serve as a deterrent to unconstitutional behavior by law enforcement during a demonstration. To request Legal Observers for an upcoming event, contact the National Office.
Training

Legal Observer trainings are held several times a year in various locations around the country. If you are interested in becoming an NLG Legal Observer, contact the National Office or your nearest Staffed Chapter to find out about upcoming training sessions, or to schedule one for your chapter or school.

At the training, you'll be guided through the Legal Observer Manual by an experienced Guild member before being given your official green hat. Please note: reading the manual alone does not constitute an official training.

feckingmorons: 2wolves: JesusGaveMuhammadAFacial: Yes, please, corporate-bought NYPD.. please start assaulting people who can make legal orders for your arrest, especially farking NY SUPREME COURT JUDGES.

She's retired from the SC but still working (until 2016) as a civil judge. I sure she knows many, many folks in high, and low, places.

The Supreme Court in NYS is not the highest court. It is the common day to day trial Court. It is analogous to a Circuit Court in other jurisdictions. In NYS judges are elected for 14 year terms.

The highest court in NYS is the Court of Appeals.

Who appointed these 'legal observers'? Are there illegal observers - of which she may be if she interfered with the cops.

Does the term observe have a meaning which I don't understand. Dont' observers observe and report, not yell at the cops? One would think a judge would know the proper forum for redress of any improper action would be a Court.

Is the fact that she was employed by a union for seven years mentioned? Can she be an impartial 'legal observer' with a special hat?

At one time legal observers were welcomed by PDs as they gave third party accounts against claims of police brutality. It's an international movement not unlike Mr. Heinlein's Fair Witness idea. Many thousands of legal observers from the ranks of lawyers have been given training.

Like a newspaper ombudsman they provide a necessary service to society.

the liberal lefty 'judge' that tried to stop the ol' heave ho from zuccotti park?

Why do we not have more of these legal observers?

SilentStrider: Why do we not have more of these legal observers?

Strictly volunteers.

2wolves: SilentStrider: Why do we not have more of these legal observers?

Strictly volunteers.

wish we had more people willing and able to volunteer like that. Might make for a good check on police excess.

I'm waiting to see this in a story from a more reputable source... but when I do, I'm gonna forward it to my "the cops never do anything wrong these people obviously provoked it" dad like six million times a day.

unlikely: I'm waiting to see this in a story from a more reputable source... but when I do, I'm gonna forward it to my "the cops never do anything wrong these people obviously provoked it" dad like six million times a day.

The interview in full

2wolves: At one time legal observers were welcomed by PDs as they gave third party accounts against claims of police brutality. It's an international movement not unlike Mr. Heinlein's Fair Witness idea. Many thousands of legal observers from the ranks of lawyers have been given training.Like a newspaper ombudsman they provide a necessary service to society.

It seems from her own account that she was not observing but inserted herself in the situation. She should have removed her special hat.

I am all for observers to provide independent witnesses, but one can't both be independent and involved. I can't opine on the behavior of the officer, it may have been within guidelines or unnecessary force, but inserting herself into the situation transforms her from an observer to a participant.

I also fail to see why documenting the names of those arrested is necessary. It is public record. Do they think the police are arresting people, murdering them and disposing of the bodies without any paperwork?

It seems like her best tools would be a camera and notepad, not yelling at the cops. True evidence of improper conduct is far more important than telling the cops how to do their job. If any of the observers gather such evidence it is imperative that they make it public so that a proper investigation can be commenced. Sunshine is the best disinfectant.

quickdraw: unlikely: I'm waiting to see this in a story from a more reputable source... but when I do, I'm gonna forward it to my "the cops never do anything wrong these people obviously provoked it" dad like six million times a day.

The interview in full

That is the same source.

quickdraw: The interview in full

Thank you, thank you, and again, thank you.

Fortunately it is The New York Guild of Lawyers which trains it's legal observers in correct procedure rather than anonymous posters on Fark.

2wolves: SilentStrider: Why do we not have more of these legal observers?

Strictly volunteers.

The NLG is not the only group that does this type of thing. Political parties often do, and some local organizations - many of them who really don't have a dog in the fight so to speak do this sort of thing.

I've observed a Klan demonstration in a local park in a similar manner. While their message was repugnant, they adhered to their permit requirements, the police followed all the rules, and the only arrest was some unaffiliated kid who hit a guy with a stick.

I didn't get a special hat.

unlikely: quickdraw: The interview in full

Thank you, thank you, and again, thank you.

You're welcome. :)

/Democracy Now!

I see we have a couple of right-wing derpers here. I'm guessing 2nd Amendment GOOD, 1st Amendment BAD. feckingmorons: 2wolves: At one time legal observers were welcomed by PDs as they gave third party accounts against claims of police brutality. It's an international movement not unlike Mr. Heinlein's Fair Witness idea. Many thousands of legal observers from the ranks of lawyers have been given training.Like a newspaper ombudsman they provide a necessary service to society.

It seems from her own account that she was not observing but inserted herself in the situation. She should have removed her special hat.

I am all for observers to provide independent witnesses, but one can't both be independent and involved. I can't opine on the behavior of the officer, it may have been within guidelines or unnecessary force, but inserting herself into the situation transforms her from an observer to a participant..

Holy shiat. She should have just done nothing while some non-violent lady looking for her daughter was beaten with a truncheon? Are you stupid or just an asshole? Both?

quickdraw: Fortunately it is The New York Guild of Lawyers which trains it's legal observers in correct procedure rather than anonymous posters on Fark.

Which amazingly has lots of the demonstrators and demonstrator groups as clients.

feckingmorons:
I didn't get a special hat.

You didn't go and get the training.

If the police have nothing to hide...

clancifer: Holy shiat. She should have just done nothing while some non-violent lady looking for her daughter was beaten with a truncheon? Are you stupid or just an asshole? Both?

If one wants to be an impartial observer one can't get involved. She wanted to do both.

No truncheon is mentioned, you just want to sensationalize this. We have one side of the story, and while it may be from a judge it is certainly not impartial.

She interfered in an arrest, and was told to extricate herself, which it seems she did as she was not arrested.

I don't see video of this, I see no statement from the woman arrested, I don't see a police report about the arrest.

I'm keeping an open mind until more information is provided beyond someone from the NLG, a decidedly biased group.

I wouldn't agree with the cops version either, without hearing from both sides - police and those arrested and those there to witness the arrests for those people. You seem content to jump to conclusions.

clancifer: Both?

Don't stress hon. It's just teh intrawebs. People express all sort of opinions for a variety of reasons - some known only to themselves. It can be entertaining of course and when it's subjects like Kim Kardashian or the latest Apple VS whoever fan war then its all in good fun.

But sometimes a topic is important enough to be taken very seriously and when that happens it's best to rise above and look for reputable sources, citations and informed opinions. Everything else is just loud noises.

2wolves: feckingmorons:
I didn't get a special hat.

You didn't go and get the training.

I don't think the NLG has a big presence in Florida outside. We just took cameras and stood on the periphery. We didn't make judgments, just observed and recorded.

I would think the special training would have included "Don't get involved," but what do I know.

Rozotorical: Why are you not referring to her as a hero?

He thinks protestors deserve to get beaten because they don't blow corporate cock.

2wolves: If the police have nothing to hide...

Then they will welcome all observers !

feckingmorons: 2wolves: If the police have nothing to hide...

Then they will welcome all observers !

Indeed they would.

feckingmorons: quickdraw: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

Wow, that is great! You should mail it to the President or something, we should have that as some sort of law.

It should also include a special hat immunity clause.

An officer of the law saw a fellow citizen, deemed their rights violated, and tried to help them. She was assaulted by a police officer for doing so. That is the story as we understand it. You have no more information on this matter then we do.

And you choose to mock her for it. Do you ever stop to ask yourself why?

GAT_00: Rozotorical: Why are you not referring to her as a hero?

He thinks protestors deserve to get beaten because they don't blow corporate cock.

No, I don't.

I think the OWS protesters who helped the conservative reporter when she was being battered are admirable (I hesitate to use the hero - it is overused in our country, people use it for sports figures).

However, she can't bring in 'I have a special hat so you can't keep me from interfering' and expect to be treated differently. She did.

She is a judge, she knows it should be resolved in a Court, not with her yelling at people on the street.

feckingmorons: clancifer: Holy shiat. She should have just done nothing while some non-violent lady looking for her daughter was beaten with a truncheon? Are you stupid or just an asshole? Both?

If one wants to be an impartial observer one can't get involved. She wanted to do both.

No truncheon is mentioned, you just want to sensationalize this. We have one side of the story, and while it may be from a judge it is certainly not impartial.

She interfered in an arrest, and was told to extricate herself, which it seems she did as she was not arrested.

I don't see video of this, I see no statement from the woman arrested, I don't see a police report about the arrest.

I'm keeping an open mind until more information is provided beyond someone from the NLG, a decidedly biased group.

I wouldn't agree with the cops version either, without hearing from both sides - police and those arrested and those there to witness the arrests for those people. You seem content to jump to conclusions.

Really?

feckingmorons: GAT_00: Rozotorical: Why are you not referring to her as a hero?

He thinks protestors deserve to get beaten because they don't blow corporate cock.

No, I don't.

I think the OWS protesters who helped the conservative reporter when she was being battered are admirable (I hesitate to use the hero - it is overused in our country, people use it for sports figures).

However, she can't bring in 'I have a special hat so you can't keep me from interfering' and expect to be treated differently. She did.

She is a judge, she knows it should be resolved in a Court, not with her yelling at people on the street.

So an citizen has no standing to stop a crime? That's what you're claiming.

Rozotorical: What are you talking about? She is a judge, acting as an impartial observer who only stepped in to prevent an assault. Who would you say is a better witness a judge or a cop?

A cop. They are trained observers. They are taught to notice things the rest of us miss.

A judge is trained in the interpretation and application of the law, probably a much more difficult job.

Why do you insist there was an assault. You have the opinion of only one person involved. I'm willing to keep an open mind until we have more information, you have tried and convicted the police officer on the word of a liberal civil court judge.

Rozotorical: No you're wrong. It is her duty as an American to step in and stop a violent crime if possible. She was also assaulted because of that act of bravery. She should be lauded but you won't give her due praise. Why is that?

You have a wonderful sense of drama.

You might have stopped a batter, I know I'd sure try. But we only have one side of the story. I doubt we will hear much more about this because it is probably a bit of embellishment by the learned Judge.


Citizens have no duty to stop an assault, heck even the police don't have a specific duty to stop any crime. Good people do it, but nobody has that duty.

feckingmorons good people do it.

Yes. Yes, they do. Yes. Yes, she did.