Washington, D.C.: LMAO. Read this?

Question

A D.C. federal judge has ruled that begging is a form of free speech protected by the Constitution. That means that mugging is free speech too, only more persuasive.

Answer 1

HEH

Answer 2

Yeah, it's been that for a couple of decades now. As any 1st year Con Law student can tell you.

Begging is commercial speech. It is asking for money. Asking. Not pointing a gun at someone. And the case-law that deals with this doesn't say it's absolutely protected. It's just as protected as commercial speech in general. Nor can people who are begging get abusive or threatening, since those are prohibited conduct unrelated to the message being expressed.

When you analyze free speech issues, you need to distinguish the message from the conduct. Shouting in someone's face or pointing a gun at them is prohibited conduct, whether you are asking for money or reciting a poem. Just like standing on a street corner and speaking quietly to passersby is generally protected speech, whether you are asking for money or reciting a poem.

The general body of case-law defining speech, and making distinctions between regulated conduct and content-based expression has been in place for decades. As with most things, people should take the time to actually understand what the law says, and not just react to propaganda and political spin.

Answer 3

Good Gawd!!!!!

So if I rob a bank, it is really free speech since I am begging the tellers to do as I say?

I'd LMAO, but this is getting ridiculous! Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against those who are down on their luck, just against judges who misapply the constitution.

(by the way, do you have a link? I'd love to see how the judge decided that begging is somehow political?)

Answer 4

LOL,yet just another loop hole someone has found in the system to make wrongs right.God bless:O)

Answer 5

With a slick lawyer, anything is possible!

Answer 6

I don't think so.