I'm shocked. An appeals court in Minnesota actually ruled that their state Constitution cannot be overruled by a majority vote of a city council -- even if the law is only to raise money for safety.

This is just one of the numerous lawsuits regarding so-called "red-light cameras." This is the first one I've seen, however, that actually made the clear ruling that people are innocent until proven guilty. You see, in nearly every case where red-light cameras have been added, the person is considered guilty and must prove their innocence. But this does clearly violate due process for subjects citizens.

In some states like North Carolina, it was even worse. I once received a red-light camera ticket and the letter the private company sent (because the state didn't even bother with enforcement, they contracted it out) actually said that they had more pictures that they were refusing to show me that would prove I was guilty. I tried to enter an "innocent" plea, but they said I had to pay $50 to enter that plea -- and by paying $50, I was admitting guilt.

Fortunately, North Carolina really lost the cameras when the judges ruled that the money "raised" from the cameras had to go to school system (per state law). When the cities found out that the red-light camera program would not net them any cash, they stopped the program dead in it's tracks.

Posted by: Ogre at 02:10 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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