Yesterday, i had transit police and transit security at "centro plaza", via's main bus station in san antonio, ban me for 24 hours, physically push me, grab my wrist, and threaten to arrest me, for saying "fuck you" to them, and initially refusing to leave. They said profanity is prohibited, and that centro plaza is private property. They said it would be a felony if i hit back while being arrested.

Via is a government/state entity. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/VIA_Metropolitan_Transit

As far as i can tell, scotus has said airports are not public forums, but has not decided for bus stations.

I'm under the impression that "Wolin v. Port of New York Authority" would suggest that bus stations are traditional public forums, but that applies in the 2nd circuit, not in texas.

I'm a free speech absolutist. Scotus is not. But i believe even under current case precedent, that via transit police and transit security violated my rights to free speech by banning me from the plaza in response to "profanity", speech they didn't like, and eveything that followed on from that, including physically touching me.

What about travis park? Scotus has said that parks are traditional public forums. Travis park is both a park and a concentration of via bus stops. What about via bus shelters on the streets? Scotus has said streets are public forums. What if i wore a shirt that said "fuck the police", and tried to board a bus?

Any thoughts?

Public records of arrests are essential tools for individuals seeking information about past arrests, legal proceedings, or other criminal activities in the United States. These records are maintained by various government agencies and are accessible to the public under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). In this article, we will explore what arrest records are, how to access them, and the legal considerations to keep in mind. By the end, you'll have a comprehensive understanding of how to navigate the process efficiently.

What Are Public Arrest Records?

Public arrest records are official documents that detail an individual's arrest history. These records typically include:

Personal Information: Name, date of birth, and address of the arrested individual. Arrest Details: Date, time, and location of the arrest. Charges Filed: The specific offense or charges brought against the individual. Booking Information: Mugshots, fingerprints, and custody status. Arrest records are considered public information in most states, which means they can be accessed by anyone, although some restrictions apply depending on the state or nature of the case.

Why Access Arrest Records?

There are various reasons why people seek public arrest records, such as:

Employment Background Checks: Employers often review arrest records to ensure candidates meet their hiring standards. Tenant Screening: Landlords may use these records to evaluate prospective tenants. Personal Research: Individuals may wish to review records for personal or family reasons. Legal Proceedings: Attorneys and legal teams use arrest records as part of case preparations. How to Access Public Arrest Records Here’s a step-by-step guide to obtaining public arrest records in the USA:

1. Visit Official Government Websites Most states maintain online databases of public arrest records. Visit the following resources for state-specific information:

State Police Websites: These sites often host searchable databases for arrest records. Local Sheriff's Department: County sheriff’s offices maintain detailed records for local arrests. Courts: Court records often contain arrest details, especially for cases that went to trial. 2. Use Online Databases Many third-party websites aggregate public arrest records from various sources. Examples include:

• arrests.org official

• SearchQuarry

• BeenVerified

• TruthFinder

3. Submit a FOIA Request For more detailed or restricted records, submit a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to the relevant agency. Include details such as the individual's name, date of birth, and the incident's approximate date.

4. Visit Local Law Enforcement Agencies If the records are not available online, you can visit the police department or sheriff’s office directly. Some jurisdictions require a formal request form and may charge a small fee.

5. Hire a Private Investigator If navigating the process yourself seems daunting, hiring a private investigator can streamline the process.

Legal Considerations When Accessing Arrest Records

While most arrest records are public, some restrictions apply:

Sealed or Expunged Records: Certain cases, such as juvenile offenses, may be sealed or expunged, making them inaccessible to the public. State-Specific Laws: Each state has its own rules regarding public access to arrest records. Privacy Concerns: Improper use of arrest records, such as for harassment or discrimination, can result in legal consequences. Fees: Some agencies charge processing fees for providing copies of records.

Challenges in Accessing Arrest Records

Despite being public, accessing arrest records can sometimes be difficult:

Incomplete Data: Not all records are digitized, leading to gaps in online databases. **Time-Consuming Processes: **Requests can take weeks or months to process. Restricted Access: Certain states require proof of intent or identification before granting access.

Tips for Accessing Arrest Records Quickly

Use Accurate Information: Ensure you have the correct name, birth date, and location of the individual. Leverage Technology: Utilize advanced search filters on official and third-party websites. Know the Local Laws: Familiarize yourself with the state's public records access laws to avoid unnecessary delays. Alternatives to Public Arrest Records If you cannot access an individual's arrest records through the usual channels, consider these alternatives:

Court Records: Many court proceedings related to arrests are public. News Archives: Local news outlets often report on arrests and related legal cases. Social Media: While not official, social media platforms can sometimes provide leads.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are all arrest records public?

No. Certain records, such as juvenile arrests or cases sealed by court order, are not accessible to the public.

2. Do arrest records include convictions?

Not always. Arrest records only indicate that an individual was arrested, not whether they were convicted of a crime.

3. How long do arrest records remain public?

Arrest records are typically permanent unless expunged or sealed by court order.

4. Can I access arrest records for free?

Some records are available for free, but others may require a fee, especially for detailed information or official copies.

5. Can I dispute inaccurate information in my arrest record?

Yes, you can request a correction from the agency that maintains the record if you identify errors.

Conclusion

Accessing public arrest records in the USA is a straightforward but occasionally challenging process. By understanding the resources available, knowing the legal framework, and following best practices, you can efficiently obtain the information you need. Whether for personal, professional, or legal purposes, public arrest records are invaluable tools that contribute to transparency and accountability in society.

A helpful infographic design

The Federalist Society’s National Lawyers Convention got wild yesterday. As wild as a gathering of right-wing lawyers can get, anyway. Actually, I guess the wildest a gathering of right-wing lawyers can get was January 6, so this was just slightly less than the wildest a gathering of right-wing lawyers can get.

Fifth Circuit Judge Edith Jones took the opportunity of sitting next to Georgetown University Law Center Professor Steve Vladeck to go, I believe the technical term is “absolutely bonkers.” An eye-popping and eye-rolling meltdown from a federal judge.

...

cross-posted from c/california: https://lemmy.world/post/21827756

Anyone here on c/law have thoughts on this?

Question sparked by comment on this post....

For instance: if the Trump administration tries to coerce CA to drop its climate change initiatives by cutting off federal highway funds, could port fees be increased to make up for the change?

Is this something the Governor could do unilaterally, or would it take legislative action?

Swift’s long battle is well-known in the industry. But an article on the Harvard Law Today site from a few months back adds an important detail to this story that I have not seen reported anywhere else. It draws on comments made by Gary R. Greenstein, a “technology transactions partner” at Wilson Sonsini, one of the top US law firms. It concerns a common legal requirement in contracts to wait a certain number of years before artists are allowed to re-record an album:

Sept 17 (Reuters) - Every football player knows that plays don’t always go the way they’re diagrammed on the coach’s whiteboard. To win, sometimes you need a back-up plan.

Just ask Shannon Sharpe, the Hall of Fame tight end who spent most of his storied NFL career with the Denver Broncos. On Monday, Sharpe defeated an appeal by another NFL Hall of Famer —Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre — because he built contingency plays into his legal strategy.

Favre sued Sharpe for defamation in 2023, after Sharpe spoke on his popular Fox Sports television show about Favre’s involvement in a scandal over the alleged misuse of Mississippi welfare funds.

The background details here are important. A Mississippi state auditor discovered in 2021 that more than $77 million earmarked for the state’s neediest families had been misappropriated for other uses between 2016 and 2019. Six people have since pleaded guilty to state and federal charges related to the welfare funding scandal.

...

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/19879143

Federal Judge Aileen M. Cannon, the controversial jurist who tossed out the classified documents criminal case against Donald Trump in July, failed to disclose her attendance at a May 2023 banquet funded by a conservative law school.

Cannon went to an event in Arlington, Va. honoring the late Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, according to documents obtained from the Law and Economics Center at George Mason University. At a lecture and private dinner, she sat among members of Scalia’s family, fellow Federalist Society members and more than 30 conservative federal judges. Organizers billed the event as “an excellent opportunity to connect with judicial colleagues.”

A 2006 rule, intended to shine a light on judges’ attendance at paid seminars that could pose conflicts or influence decisions, requires them to file disclosure forms for such trips within 30 days and make them public on the court’s website.

It’s not the first time she has failed to fully comply with the rule.

In 2021 and 2022, Cannon took weeklong trips to the luxurious Sage Lodge in Pray, Montana, for legal colloquiums sponsored by George Mason, which named its law school for Scalia thanks to $30 million in gifts that conservative judicial kingmaker Leonard Leo helped organize.

...

cross-posted from: https://lemm.ee/post/41908556

Opening statements before District Judge Leonie Brinkema of the US District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia start later today. The BBC notes that the Justice Department plans to argue that Google's parent company, Alphabet, illegally operates a monopoly in the online advertising market. However, Alphabet denies the allegations, claiming that its success is due to the "effectiveness" of its services.

The Justice Department claims Google established its monopoly through the anti-competitive acquisitions of smaller ad-tech rivals and even bullying website publishers into using its ad products. Google is also said to have unethically controlled key businesses in each part of the advertising supply chain, thereby driving up ad rates for advertisers while reducing the payouts to website owners.

Pointing out Google's systematic abuse of the online ad business, the DoJ will ask the court to break up the company's ad-tech monopoly. The agency believes a breakup would create new opportunities for Google's smaller competitors and incentivize new players to enter the market. It will also be better for both advertisers and publishers.

If it's illegal to have a concealed knife in a vehicle in California, then how do people drive around in an RV with a drawer full of knives?

The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court held, opens new tab that a 1957 law barring people from possessing spring-release pocketknives commonly known as "switchblades" violated the right to keep and bear arms enshrined in the U.S. Constitution's Second Amendment.

The court reached that conclusion while dismissing a charge filed against David Canjura for unlawfully possessing a switchblade, which Boston police found when responding to a report of an altercation between Canjura and his girlfriend.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/19040697

Democrats were able to get President Joe Biden to step aside after a pressure campaign. But it’s much more difficult to force out a federal judge.

At the age of 97, Judge Pauline Newman is the oldest full-time federal judge on the bench, but despite concerns about her ability to do the job, her colleagues are struggling to get rid of her.

…

When Democrats decided after President Joe Biden’s disastrous debate performance that he was no longer fit to serve at the top of the ticket, a multifaceted pressure campaign was able to convince him to step aside.

But federal judges, as well as Supreme Court justices, have lifetime appointments and there is no easy process for easing them aside.

With people generally living longer, a lifetime appointment can now last many decades. The average age of a federal judge is 69, according to a recent study, and there is no clean way to force someone to step down.

Archived at https://web.archive.org/web/20240822141004/https://www.justsecurity.org/98741/fisa-defensive-searches/

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/19043926

Last spring, New York City police officers stopped a 19-year-old on the subway during her commute. She was eligible for a free transfer from the bus to the subway, but the transfer failed to register at the turnstile, so she and a friend entered through the platform emergency exit door.

Police stopped them, took their names, and let her friend go. Officers told the 19-year-old she had a prior arrest — from 2018, when she was in her early teens — and began to question her.

The cops should not have known about that past arrest. A New York state law protects juvenile records in cases without any finding of guilt from access by anyone, including law enforcement, without a court order.

The young woman is one of three plaintiffs who filed a class-action suit in July against the city and NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban for what they said was a practice of illegally accessing, using, and leaking sealed youth records. The suit, which was unsealed Thursday, alleges that officials routinely share those sealed records with prosecutors and the media — specifically with pro-cop tabloids that regularly publish juvenile arrest information sourced from police.

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"The ban on fake reviews includes AI-generated reviews and real people that have no experience with the product being reviewed.... Buying reviews, whether positive or negative, is also banned in any form. So-called “insider” reviews are prohibited by employees of a given company.... The new rule will become effective 60 days after it’s published in the Federal Register.... "

After a doctor suffered a fatal allergic reaction at a Disney World restaurant, Disney is trying to get her widower's wrongful death lawsuit tossed by pointing to the fine print of a Disney+ trial he signed up for years earlier.

Jeffrey Piccolo is representing the estate of his late wife, Kanokporn Tangsuan, a doctor at New York's NYU Langone hospital who died of an allergic reaction while visiting the Florida resort in October.

The couple, along with Piccolo's mother, went to dinner on the night of Oct. 5 at Raglan Road Irish Pub, a restaurant located within a shopping and dining complex called Disney Springs.

Tangsuan was "highly allergic" to dairy and nuts, and they chose that particular restaurant in part because of its promises about accommodating patrons with food allergies, according to the lawsuit filed in a Florida circuit court.

The complaint details the family's repeated conversations with their waiter about Tangsuan's allergies. The family allegedly raised the issue upfront, inquired about the safety of specific menu items, had the server confirm with the chef that they could be made allergen-free and asked for confirmation "several more times" after that.

"When the waiter returned with [Tangsuan's] food, some of the items did not have allergen free flags in them and [Tangsuan] and [Piccolo] once again questioned the waiter who, once again, guaranteed the food being delivered to [Tangsuan] was allergen free," the lawsuit reads.

The three of them ate and then went their separate ways: Piccolo brought the leftovers to their room, while his wife and mother headed for the stores. After about 45 minutes, Tangsuan "began having severe difficulty breathing and collapsed to the floor." Bimbo bread is displayed on a shelf at a market in Anaheim, Calif., in 2003. On Tuesday, U.S. federal food safety regulators warned Bimbo Bakeries USA - which includes brands such as Sara Lee, Oroweat, Thomas', Entenmann's and Ball Park buns and rolls - to stop using labels that say its products contain potentially dangerous allergens when they don't.

She self-administered an epi-pen, and an observer called 911. The Piccolos, who had tried calling her multiple times, were eventually told she had been rushed to the hospital. They went to meet her and, after a period of waiting, were told that she had died.

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"First, it determined that under the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling in Carpenter v. United States, individuals have a reasonable expectation of privacy in the location data implicated by geofence warrants.... Second, the court found that even though investigators seek warrants for geofence location data, these searches are inherently unconstitutional.... "

The hardline approach Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito takes usually gets him what he wants.

This year it backfired.

Behind the scenes, the conservative justice sought to put a thumb on the scale for states trying to restrict how social media companies filter content. His tactics could have led to a major change in how platforms operate.

CNN has learned, however, that Alito went too far for two justices – Amy Coney Barrett and Ketanji Brown Jackson – who abandoned the precarious 5-4 majority and left Alito on the losing side.

As a result, the final 6-3 ruling led by Justice Elena Kagan backed the First Amendment rights of social media companies

It is rare that a justice tapped to write the majority opinion loses it in ensuing weeks, but sources tell CNN that it happened twice this year to Alito. He also lost the majority as he was writing the decision in the case of a Texas councilwoman who said she was arrested in retaliation for criticizing the city manager. ...