Can you settle a friendly legal argument ?

Question

While discussing some local events that were in the news the question was raised about police entrapment. When asked pointedly, does a police officer have to disclose their identity as law enforment?

Answer 1

No, they do not have to disclose their identity, even if specifically asked.

For a defense of "entrapment" to work, the accused has to prove that he would not have engaged in illegal behavior, but for the actions of the police.

For example, say an undercover cop gets in a cab, tells the driver to take him to a bank, the cop goes inside and robs the bank, gets back into the cab and tells him to drive away. If that cop then arrests the cab driver for bank robbery (since the cabbie drove the getaway car), the cabbie would have a case for entrapment.

Answer 2

No. This is a myth. They do not have to disclose if asked. Also, different states have different standards for entrapment. Too many people here give blanket answers to legal questions, not realizing that the laws differ in each state.

Answer 3

My understanding from my husband and his friends is that when they are asked pointedly if they are police officers they have to answer truthfully even when they are undercover. But when undercover they work very hard not to get in a situation where they are asked pointedly or directly if they are police officers. Sometimes it can make the difference between life and death.

Answer 4

I agree with the clown. Justice is what you can afford. Look at 9/11. Those directly involved are still living free and making rules that we must follow.

Answer 5

No, but they can't solicit criminal behavior.... at least in theory.

Justice... is whatever you can afford. How deep is your pocketbook?