Posted on 11/08/2013 2:08:58 PM PST by ThethoughtsofGreg
The growing role of big government in our lives presents a continual attack on the cherished and hallmark American values of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. In no area is this expansion more troubling than the criminal justice system. Actions defined as crimes have proliferated to the point that the average American now inadvertently commits an estimated three felonies a day. This explosion of criminal statutes has little to do with protecting our communities; it is simply another symptom of the expansive reach of big government.
While some criminal laws and sanctions are certainly necessary to protect public safety and ensure justice, many laws ensnare individuals who engage in ordinary activities they had no reason to suspect were criminal. Policymakers can help stem the tide of overcriminalization by requiring proof of criminal intent before charging an individual with a crime.
Criminal intent requirements reserve criminal sanctions for individuals who intended to act unlawfully. Additionally, they ensure that public safety resources are focused on dangerous offenders rather than targeted at average Americans who are often unaware of vague and ambiguous laws.
(Excerpt) Read more at redstate.com ...
Well, that's the way it should be. But it's not.
Unfortunately, we now have a majority of idiots that just don’t care.
If I ever became president I’d have a hard time deciding between a) dismantling this stupidity and b) massively enforcing them to really show people how stupid it all is.
Of course B would lead to A.
--Ayn Rand, Atlas Shrugged
What can we expect with a law factory called “Congress” running most of the year?
Anybody that believes all of these laws are for our “safety” need to have their heads examined.
It’s ALL about revenue. PERIOD!
A few years ago I got a ticket for not having a life jacket in the boat with me. I didn’t have to be wearing one, just have it in the boat.
That law and the ticket make the world a little safer for all of us. /s
Sometimes it isn’t worth it even if it saves just one life.
The system is way top heavy and must invent new revenue at every opportunity.
Legislating emotive states is IMHO where the real slide began.
Yep - and when it comes time for the elites to put the hammer down, NDAA will kick in and all political enemies of the ruling class will disappear, never to be heard from again.
And it will all be legal.
The fish rots from the head down.
Criminalizing America?
That’s the plan. Put us all in the ‘holders peeps’ class. That’ll fix us bitter clingers.
“Sometimes it isn’t worth it even if it saves just one life.”
Especially if it’s for the children, old people, and the poor.
Now Comrade, nothing to worry about here. This will just lead to us visiting Reeducation Camps for a short period.
It's only matter of time before some government official decides to prosecute.
Get rid of lawyers and get more cops.
Nope, it's about power and control. The revenue is just an interesting side effect.
Nope. We already have too many cops.
I stand corrected!
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