The right-wing evangelicals claim they want everyone to obey the law--witness their villification of undocumented aliens. But their preacher Ted Haggard has confessed to purchasing meth--and that is a felony. So why isn't he in jail?
Or could it be that these so-called law-abiding christians only want the law enforced if the offender in't one of their own?
2007-02-07 10:59:25 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Other - Politics & Government
There is a witness--the person who sold haggard the meth. Also, the arguement that his statement doesn't constitute eidence is spurious. He said this on the record--and in front of a TV camera. The law does not require he actually be caught with it on him. Any more excuses?
2007-02-07 11:17:42 · update #1
In law we have that thing called double jeopardy, which doesn't apply here, we also have a thing called double standards, which does apply here. A gay bashing pastor who is gay himself. A sad state of affairs all around. Excuse me, was gay, now he is completely heterosexual. It's a miracle, now he might be eligible to be a saint.
2007-02-07 12:00:01 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
You cannot be charged unless you are *caught* in the process. Just saying you do something cannot get you arrested. You can scream at the top of your lungs that you smoke crack and you cannot be arrested. Take a look at Snoop Dog or other rappers like him that rap about smoking weed. No one can be arrested just for saying they do something. You have to actually be doing it at the time to be arrested.
Just wanted to point out - MTV recently showed a documentary on Meth addicts. They were getting stoned ON CAMERA (and one girl injecting heroin into her arm) with the MTV producers right there and all the camera men as witnesses, not to mention EVERYONE who saw the episode. Guess what - they can't be arrested either. No police were present at that time.
What you are referring to is called "Hearsay" - which does not hold up in the court of law.
2007-02-07 11:07:29 · answer #2 · answered by Ashley P 6 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Because they cannot prove that he actually purchased the Meth. You must understand, that for a case to stand up in a court of law, there needs to be evidence to go with the testimony. If they lack either, they legally cannot move forward.
Secondly, Haggard's attorneys can prove that he was under stress and mental duress because he was threatened, and the threat was carried out. Legally...there isn't anything the court can do to prosecute. And I'm certain if it was one of your family members, you wouldn't want them prosecuted either, would you? You would choose an attorney that knows the system inside and out, and you'd want them to do that for you, right?
Prosecution is based on Evidence...then testimony. Within the law, without the main ingredient, there isn't a case.
2007-02-07 11:08:55 · answer #3 · answered by chole_24 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
The law does require the police to observe such offenses to make an arrest.
A citizen could go to a magistrate and ask that official to swear out a warrant, giving the tv tape as evidence, but how would the citizen demonstrate he himself was harmed and has standing to swear out a complaint?
2007-02-07 11:20:43 · answer #4 · answered by cassandra 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There's no evidence he purchased meth.
He gave money to a male prostitute to get some meth for them to party with.
End the drug war.
2007-02-07 11:48:35 · answer #5 · answered by bettysdad 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
He was never caught with any meth that's why he's not in jail. And really nor should he be. He should NOT be declaring he is no longer gay though.
2007-02-07 11:04:25 · answer #6 · answered by apple juice 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
This is just another example of the appalling hypocrisy we see from all religious zealots.
2007-02-07 11:14:27 · answer #7 · answered by miketwemlow 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋