[DManA]

I am thrilled to see this issue getting attention. The proliferating parallel Federal criminal code is a direct threat to American freedom.

[patriot preacher]

Let’s face it folks — we’re all criminals now. It’s only a matter of whether the Feds decide to prosecute, and on what “charge.”

[Navy Patriot]

Atlas Shrugged.

[AEMILIUS PAULUS]

Isn’t there a Chinese proverb to the effect that the proliferation of laws is indicative of a States decline? Anybody know the proverb?

[shooter223]

I can’t remember the quote.......... “all that is not mandatory is banned” ...... or something to that effect.

[Prokopton]

At one time most of our criminal laws were for acts that were "malum in se", that is they were wrong in and of themselves such as stealing or assault. Now, most of our new criminal laws are "malum prohibitum", that is there is nothing inherently wrong with the act but it is criminal merely because it is prohibited by the government. This trend closely tracts the loss of individual freedom and the strengthening of the power of the state.

We are not now, and I believe never will be again, the Country of free, independent people our Founders envisioned.

[Titus Quinctius Cincinnatus]

bump for later

[Munz]

I understand how these laws can be made with good intentions in *some* cases. But the punishments do not fit the crimes if they can even be called that.

Punishments should only be handed out for intentional or reckless acts with EXTREMELY RARE exception.

Then we have the problem that not only can you be charged in State or federal court, but you can actually be charged in both for the same crime. So much for “double jeopardy”.

But the worst slap in the face above all is that all things being equal, they ain’t equal.

Imagine being white and intimidating blacks in a voting area. Think that the justice department would prosecute you for it? Or is it now a legal defense that your people have suffered enough already?

[rabscuttle385]

The U.S. Constitution mentions three federal crimes by citizens: treason, piracy and counterfeiting. By the turn of the 20th century, the number of criminal statutes numbered in the dozens. Today, there are an estimated 4,500 crimes in federal statutes, according to a 2008 study by retired Louisiana State University law professor John Baker.

There are also thousands of regulations that carry criminal penalties.

. . .

The American Bar Association. . .in the late 1990s. . .said "the amount of individual citizen behavior now potentially subject to federal criminal control has increased in astonishing proportions in the last few decades."

. . .

Some of these new federal statutes don't require prosecutors to prove criminal intent, eroding a bedrock principle in English and American law.

. . .

Occasionally, Americans are going to prison in the U.S. for violating the laws and rules of other countries.

[Ken H]

The power of Congress to criminalize 'assault weapons' and incandescent bulbs depends on the New Deal Commerce Clause.

What percentage of the numerous federal crimes discussed in this article depend on the Commerce Clause for their existence?

I suspect it's a high percentage.

[FreedomPoster]

From my profile page:

“Did you really think we want those laws observed?” said Dr. Ferris. “We want them to be broken. You’d better get it straight that it’s not a bunch of boy scouts you’re up against... We’re after power and we mean it... There’s no way to rule innocent men. 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. Who wants a nation of law-abiding citizens? What’s there in that for anyone? But just pass the kind of laws that can neither be observed nor enforced or objectively interpreted – and you create a nation of law-breakers – and then you cash in on guilt. Now that’s the system, Mr. Reardon, that’s the game, and once you understand it, you’ll be much easier to deal with.”

- Ayn Rand, ‘Atlas Shrugged’ 1957

[Condor51]

Not Guilty!
(I think?!?)

/s

[EBH]

There’s no way to rule innocent men. 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. Who wants a nation of law abiding citizens? What’s there in that for anyone? But just pass the kind of laws that can neither be observed nor enforced nor objectively interpreted—and you create a nation of law-breakers—and then you cash in on guilt. Now that’s the system, Mr. Rearden, that’s the game, and once you understand it, you’ll be much easier to deal with.” Dr. Ferris, Ayn Rand, Atlas Shrugged

[mo]

As more of us get “upset” with a Federal apparatus that is increasingly a liability to the states...more will be imprisoned. More jobs for TSA/BATF/FBI/local SWAT etc...

[bamahead]

Sadly it should be no surprise to longtime members of this list, that we have reached this point.



Libertarian ping! Click here to get added or here to be removed or post a message here!

[John123]

increasingly easy for Americans to end up on the wrong side of the law.

Whoa. It appears the vast majority of the Freepers would be guilty of anti-cyber bullying laws for expressing their opinions.

he figures that "being emotionally distressed is just part of living in a free society.

It is called developing a thick skin to ignore those who are a-holes.

[SUSSA]

This article points out why it is extremely important that as many people as possible become informed about jury nullification. No matter what a judge or prosecutor tells you you do not have to convict if you think the law is wrong or that a law is being applied in an unjust way.

Just one juror who knows his rights can hang a jury. After two or three hung juries prosecutors are going to back off because it screws up their convection rate, which they view like a baseball player views his batting average.

http://fija.org/

[CSM]

“There’s no way to rule innocent men. 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. Who wants a nation of law-abiding citizens? What’s there in that for anyone? But just pass the kind of laws that can neither be observed nor enforced nor objectively interpreted and you create a nation of law-breakers.”

Quote by: Ayn Rand
(1905-1982) Author
Source: “Atlas Shrugged”, Part II, Chapter 3