Arizona Governor Jane Brewer has declared the Supreme Court decision striking down SB 1070 as a 'major victory' for Arizona and the rule of law (someone needs to check on what she's been smoking...).
The only part of the law that they left somewhat intact was allowing police officers to stop people who are suspected of breaking the law (but not solely immigration laws, which is the part of law that the court DID throw out 100%) since to do otherwise could have interfered with police officers doing their proscribed duties. However, even when they do stop someone whom they suspect of breaking the law (other than purely immigration laws) IF they do ask for identification, they cannot automatically assume that the person is illegal if he does not have what the officer considers adequate ID until they have verified with the FEDERAL authorities that indeed the person is in the country illegally. Granted, this will put the onus on Washington to come-up with a system that works quickly and is accurate, but the Supreme Court appears to have said that the benefit-of-the-doubt now favors the individual and NOT the State. After all, this is nothing more than any person in this country should expect. Otherwise, how would America be any different than a totalitarian state where all power lies with the State and the people are subject to the whims of officials without any recourse?
OCU
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