[PeterPrinciple]

why were the charges against him dropped?

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That is a good question and deserves an answer. My thoughts are that a police have can make an arrest but that charges are decided by the judicial system. I suspect the weak knees occurred in the judicial system.

[Amerigomag]

why were the charges against him dropped? ...That is a good question and deserves an answer.

Do the home work, then contribute. Reading never hurts.

Gates was never charged (with anything). He was arrested and then released without being charged.