Free Republic

Florida High Court: No Crime to Wear Law Enforcement Gear if No Bid to Deceive The Associated Press Published: Jun 23, 2005 TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) - The Florida Supreme Court said on Thursday that it's no crime to wear law enforcement uniforms or clothing with words like "police," "sheriff" and "trooper" - as long as the wearer has no intent to deceive. The high court, in a 5-2 opinion, struck down a state law against such behavior as "unconstitutionally overbroad" and "vague." The maximum punishment for violating the law was a year in jail. "The word 'police' on a shirt...

Judge Who Smoked Pot Returns to Bench TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. - A judge who admitted smoking marijuana at a Rolling Stones concert has begun hearing cases again after completing a rehabilitation program. District Judge Thomas Gilbert returned to the bench this week following a four-week rehab program that he entered after being spotted smoking marijuana at the concert in Detroit. Gilbert will eventually hear criminal cases, except those involving drunken driving and marijuana. Chief District Judge Michael Haley said the restrictions placed on Gilbert's docket will be indefinite. Gilbert has called his decision to smoke marijuana at the Oct....

A Traverse City judge who admitted smoking marijuana at a Rolling Stones concert is scheduled to begin hearing cases Monday. District Judge Thomas Gilbert has been on voluntary leave since November sixth. He was in a 28 day alcohol rehabilitation program. Gilbert will hear only civil cases such as small claims and landlord-tenant disputes in his first week back. After a two week vacation, he'll begin hearing criminal cases but not those involving drunken driving or marijuana. Gilbert has called the incident at the October 12th concert in Detroit the stupidest thing he's ever done. Both the local bar association...