Sheriff ordered to take a class on 1st Amendment

[Fletch]

In Iowa, carry permits are issued with discretionary powers on the part of local sheriffs. This guy didn't like what was being said about him, so he retaliated with his discretionary power and is now being smacked down by the court.

PRIMGHAR, Iowa -- U.S. District Court Judge Mark W. Bennett has ordered Osceola County Sheriff Douglas L. Weber to issue a gun permit to a resident and to complete a college-level course involving the First Amendment.

Bennett’s written decision on Wednesday involves the case of Paul Dorr, of Ocheyedan, who was denied a permit to carry a concealed weapon.

...

And, Bennett said, “In denying Paul a concealed weapons permit, Sheriff Weber single-handedly hijacked the First Amendment and nullified its freedoms and protections. Ironically, Sheriff Weber, sworn to uphold the Constitution, in fact retaliated against a citizen of his county who used this important freedom of speech and association precisely in the manner envisioned by the founding members of our nation ...


"In doing so, this popularly elected Sheriff, who appears to be a fine man and an excellent law enforcement officer, in all other regards, blatantly caved in to public pressure and opinion and, in doing so, severely trampled the Constitution and Paul’s First Amendment rights to freedom of speech and association. This is a great reminder that the First Amendment protects the sole individual who may be a gadfly, kook, weirdo, nut job, whacko, and spook, with the same force of protection as folks with more majoritarian and popular views."

Rest at source.

As with the thread in the Break Room about pounding a kid for spitting, there are some things I just think should disqualify a person from further "public service". Abuses of power, whether physical or administrative, should not be tolerated in a supposedly free society.

 

[homeless]

As usual I will support any LEO when they are acting on behalf of the Constitution and the law, However I think because of the powers granted to them they should be held to a higher standard. In this case we have a CLEO that is blatantly abusing power and disregarding his duty, jail him.

 

[Scutter01]

Dorr said Wednesday that he was pleased “justice is served. I get my permit back and the sheriff is being sent back to school. The harm done by Sheriff Weber against the 6th and 9th commandments has been made right."

"You shall not murder" and "You shall not bear false witness"?

 

[Fletch]

What does taking the Lord's name in vain or not resting on the Sabbath have to do with issuing gun permits?

Yeah, that one kinda gave me pause.

 

[Expat]

I am confused....

 

[rambone]

Rights are not be subject to Government discretion.

 

[SSGSAD]

We, definatley, need more Judges, like this...

 

[mrjarrell]

The cop got off too lightly. He violated their civil rights and the punishment should fit the crime.