Judge upholds government's use of obscure 1800s law in charging Greenpeace

Associated Press ^ | 4-15-04 | CATHERINE WILSON

[Oldeconomybuyer]

MIAMI (AP) -- A judge refused Thursday to throw out federal charges against Greenpeace for protesting a shipment of Amazon mahogany, setting up a trial that could serve as a test on the limits of political dissent.

The Justice Department charged the environmental group under an obscure 19th century law enacted to stop pimps from clambering aboard ships heading for port. The government has never successfully prosecuted an activist organization on criminal charges over protest methods.

Although U.S. District Judge Adalberto Jordan allowed the case to move forward, parts of his ruling could give prosecutors reason to be nervous.

"This case is, to put it mildly, unusual," Jordan wrote. Although the law's "lack of use does not prevent the government from going forward against Greenpeace, it does point to how uncommon such a prosecution is."

[snip]

[tjwmason]

The Justice Department charged the environmental group under an obscure 19th century law enacted to stop pimps from clambering aboard ships heading for port.

And Greenpeace anarchists, sorry activists, are morally better than pimps how?

[mrsmith]

Adalberto Jordan: a 1999 Clinton appointee.

He'll rule to exempt Greenpeace from the law.

[Libertarianize the GOP]

ping

[jackbill]

Every law on the books must be used against terrorists.

[Dutch Boy]

When that ceases to be affective.... artillary

[Eala]

And when that ceases to be effective, artillery!

*\;-)

[farmfriend]

Rights, farms, environment ping.
Let me know if you wish to be added or removed from this list.
I don't get offended if you want to be removed.

[tet68]

Load with canister, prepare to repel boarders!

[Democratshavenobrains]

The average 19th century pimp had more class than most of Greenpeace.

[E.G.C.]

BTT!!!!!