The line between free speech and criminal speech or lawful assembly and unlawful assembly is frequently blurred.  But seldom are the distinctions enhanced once police agencies are involved often because it does not fall within the priorities with which they are dealing at the time.Â
Case in point – the Chico Disorderly Events Ordinance.  This ordinance was passed by […]

There is an article on the ACLU Northern California site that is a must-read, especially considering recent events in Gridley.
ACLU Chico Immigration Committee members rushed to Gridley two-weeks-ago upon hearing of ICE arrests of several people from their homes, including a 14-year-old boy.  What was of greatest concern was the context in which the […]

Noted newswoman Amy Goodman and other members of the press, including 2 of her own co-producers, were arrested at the RNC.  Following are vids of the arrests and press conferences following:

The ACLU of Minnesota is providing defenses to Goodman and others of the almost 300 people arrested by St. Paul Police in a crackdown on […]

Here’s a great article in the Post (Saturday, August 16,2008) discussing police surveillance. Check it out.Â

Last weekend there was violence in Hartford, a city of 125,000 people, and 11 people were shot, including a 7-year-old child.  The answer by the police is a 10 p.m. curfew of anyone 18 and under.  This link takes you to the Hartford Courant article regarding the violence and the proposed curfew.
This link will take […]

Paradise police have just purchased shoulder microphones that record not only audio, but also video, this according to the Chico Enterprise-Record of August 13, 2008 and Paradise Post of August 14, 2008.  Other local police agencies are also considering purchasing the devices. Is this a good tool for the police or is it just […]

Here’s a CNN report (you can always trust CNN) that tells how at least some of the $50 million security money will be spent at each of the conventions this month. Note that the ACLU in Colorado wants to know how the money will be spent. Seems reasonable.

Here’s a vid that makes a great point about contemporary police tactics. See what you think.

Earlier in the month, the Washington Times published a story about the EMD bracelet that the TSA supposedly expressed interest in deploying for every air traveler to wear. The pros to wearing this bracelet: speeding through security, as the bracelet would contain all of your flight info and personal information, and have GPS-like capability that […]

ACLU, Flex Your Rights, and ACORN volunteers go door-to-door in Southeast DC educating residents about their 4th Amendment right to refuse warrantless police searches.