Is this method or protest legal (it's basically blockading the highway by not allowing anyone through).
Will the people who does this type of protest be arrested if so what will they be charged with?
2007-06-28 18:06:53 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
In California, the act of obstructing traffic violates a number of vehicle codes. If the act was a form of protest, it would likely bring some heavy penalties.
2007-06-28 18:18:47 · answer #1 · answered by pure_genius 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes that is illegal. It's state property. You can only demonstrate on public property; the side of the highway, sidewalks, parks, etc. I suppose there may be a way to try and get a permit (check on your state website) but I'm going to tell you now there's no way on earth that;s going to happen.
I don't know specific charges. I imagine, impeading traffic, disturbing the peace, other similiar things. None of those charges are major though.
The key is when the state patrol and sheriff's deputies show up about 5 minutes after you barricade the interstate, if they tell you to move, then you're screwed for disobeying a lawful order. Then if you let it escalate to resisting arrest it wont be fun. The you're talking prison instead of fines.
I wouldn't try it.
2007-06-28 18:18:23 · answer #2 · answered by thekingbeav 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, it is not legal. You could be charged with any number of offenses, including but NOT limited to: disorderly conduct, disturbing the peace, etc. Limiting the flow of traffic without proper authority can also get you into trouble with certain economically based crimes.
You are only entitled to "peaceful assembly" under the Constitution. What you propose has already been ruled against in the federal courts and state courts of the USA. I'm pretty sure the Supreme Court has said NO WAY as well.
2007-06-28 18:43:34 · answer #3 · answered by cyanne2ak 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
NO you are on a highway that is for cars. You are not allowed there, traffic has the right of way. You can be arrested. And if it is Atlanta Rush hour you would probably be shot, not by the police, but an irate commuter.
2007-06-28 18:14:34 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. If you physically block the flow of traffic it is not a peaceful protest. A peaceful protest is one in which you don't impede the daily lives of other people.
2007-06-28 18:12:36 · answer #5 · answered by DOOM 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, it is not legal, you are stopping commerce, and ability for emergency vehicles to respond. If someone should die, during the protest because a firetruck, ambulance, or police officer was delayed, you would have additional problems.
2007-06-28 18:22:07 · answer #6 · answered by oldcorps1947 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is a federal offense to impede the interstate transportation of goods. That is the name of the crime you would be charged with. Good luck with your protest.Regards.
2007-06-28 18:16:47 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You live in Ontario too?
The news said the police plan to break up the barricade tomorrow morning. Hopefully there won't be any violence.
2007-06-28 18:15:17 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
you really want to mess with motorists with todays gas prices? Id think twice about it...
2007-06-28 18:13:13 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋