Joachim Feise wrote:
> One balmy May evening back in 2000, Dudley was standing around minding his own
> business when all of a sudden, a policeman pulled-up and demanded that Dudley
> produce his ID. Dudley, having done nothing wrong, declined. He was arrested
> and charged with "failure to cooperate" for refusing to show ID on demand. And
> it's all on video.
> On the 22nd of March 2004, the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments on
> Dudley's case, a case that will determine whether Dudley and the rest of us live
> in a free society, or in a country where we must show "the papers" whenever a
> cop demands them."
In late winter of 1976 I just left my apartment block in Thompson, Manitoba and was
crossing the street to begin a 4-mile run (for exercise etc) when a RCM Police
cruiser car stopped and the driver rolled down the window and asked me for my ID. I
asked him why and he did not tell me, but repeated his request. I then told him that
since I was not under arrest nor detention i am free to go about my business. As I
walked away the other "Mountie" said through the open window that i looked like a
fellow they had a warrant for and could I please show some ID, otherwise i would be
under arrest.
No problem I stated. I pulled out my wallet and produced my military ID card - which
in 1974 was the only picture ID on me. My passport was in my apartment. I showed it
and they apologized for bothering me. I told them thanks for doing your job. No
problem!
As far as I know, citizens of Canada still have the same right. For how long, I
don't know.
The only other times I have been asked for some form of licensure is when a traffic
patrol person (politically correct term to use here because there are females in
police services) asked for my driver's license and registration. They were NOT
asking for ID because they specifically asked for my driver's license rather than
for any form of identification.
When I cross the border between Canada and the USA I always bring my passport
because it is "proof' that I am a canadian citizen. It does not indicate however,
where I reside.
Dudley's USSC decision will be interesting to read once it comes out - even for
non-US residents
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