Overcriminalizing everyday life--It's unjust to make a federal case out of minor infractions

The Washington Times ^ | December 17, 2010 | Editorial

[expatpat]

After over-criminalizing, the next step is selective prosecution so that any one in non-protected groups (e.g., white males) can be prosecuted for something ant any time. We already see this happening in Holder’s InJustice Dept. (voter intimidation), hate-crime legislation, and the criminal justice systems in large cities.

[Jim Noble]

Treason, bribery, and counterfeiting.

The problem is NOT that administrative bodies make stupid rules, or nitpicking rules. The problem is that they are exercising delegated authority that Congress has no authority to delegate.

Until the completely unconstitutional fourth branch is attacked frontally and dismantled, we will continue to have these problems.

[Neidermeyer]

If you read the warning labels on every bottle and aerosol can under your kitchen sink you will find that you have probably committed multiple federal felonies in the lastyear ,, oftentimes by doing something as simple as throwing an “empty” can of bug spray in the trash... This madness must be stopped.

[AndrewB]

"There's no way to rule innocent men. The only power government has is the power to crack down on criminals. Well, when there aren't enough criminals, one makes them. One declares so many things to be a crime that it becomes impossible for men to live without breaking laws."-Rand

[Verginius Rufus]

Some time ago I saw a program on C-SPAN featuring Harvey A. Silverglade, author of the book Three Felonies A Day: How the Feds Target the Innocent. (ISBN 978-1594032554).

I haven't read the book but from the program it sounds like it is very much along the lines of what this thread is discussing.

[MileHi]

The problem is that they are exercising delegated authority that Congress has no authority to delegate.

Well, the other problem is that black-robed tyrants find exercising that authority "Constitutional".

[MileHi]

The problem is that they are exercising delegated authority that Congress has no authority to delegate.

Well, the other problem is that black-robed tyrants find exercising that authority "Constitutional".

[SWAMPSNIPER]

"The only power any government has is the power to crack down on criminals. Well, when there aren't enough criminals, one makes them. One declares so many things to be a crime that it becomes impossible for men to live without breaking laws"

. Ayn Rand

[Lurker]

Counterfeiting, High Treason, and Piracy.

[Ciexyz]

Food for thought.

[Skepolitic]

You’re right, of course, but treason, counterfeiting, and piracy aren’t authorized by the Constitution. They are specifically identified as crimes punishable by federal law.

[prolusion]

All laws should sunset. Make Congress debate them periodically. Bury them with work load. Should cut down on excessive laws some.

[eyeamok]

Poor choice of wording on my part, but you do understand, the problem is MOST PEOPLE do Not.

[eyeamok]

2 out of 3, close. Maybe EVERYBODY should sit down and actually read the CONSTITUTION.

[Jacquerie]

If this House rule is adopted, it could be the beginning of the end for unaccountable, unconstitutional administrative regulations. If I am correct, nothing of the sort, ie automatic review of a Federal agency's rules has ever existed.

The Florida legislature recently passed a veto override to implement a law that requires legislative approval of all agency rules that could cost the private sector more than $1 million over five years. The enviro-weenies are howling.

Something similar is needed at the federal level and the proposed rule could be the trick to get it started.