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What laws govern police asking for things?

From what I've gathered, police can ask for all kinds of things that they legally have no right to (searches, being let in, etc), but you can still ignorantly comply. They can even legally lie about shit to persuade you.




They can also do things that are illegal and then lie about them after if needed. Or just make up some false probable cause to warrant a search.


One ought to be able to consult a lawyer or ombudsman during these attacks on your civil rights.

You haven't committed any crime. Who's supposed to be serving who here?


Have to disagree with "You haven't committed any crime" because these to my understanding occur during traffic violation. Not saying I agree with the practice but am saying cops are not pulling over perfectly legal drivers and saying "Sir/Ma'am please handover your cell phone".


An ambiguous crime. The limits are clearly posted, but enforcement is highly inconsistent. Driving the speed limit has probably become indicative of old age or an attempt to avoid police interaction. Try strictly driving the posted limit for a while and you will find it socially unacceptable. While most traffic stops are rightly due to excessive violation, some are an excuse to investigate. A stop for speeding makes a great cover should the motorist complain. If they were driving slower than the social norm, or even the cars around them, there is no hard evidence to support their case.


Traffic violations are mostly civil matters, not criminal matters.


Right, and that's why you're not entitled to a jury trial for your speeding ticket. Speeding, running a light, etc., are not criminal offenses (except in extreme cases of reckless driving, where you may be on the hook for "reckless endangerment" or some such)


No, civil matters are things like contract disputes, medical malpractice, negligence, etc. I.e. disputes between two private parties.

Traffic violations are violations of the law and thus are criminal matters (though generally misdemeanors).

You can tell the difference by whether there is a County/State/Federal prosecutor involved. Prosecutors don't bring civil claims to court.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Traffic_ticket#United_States

First sentence reads: "In the United States, most traffic laws are codified in a variety of state, county and municipal ordinances, with most minor violations classified as civil infractions."


They can't lie about them afterwards, but they can lie to you during interrogation. E.g. "your friend Joe already told us you did <whatever crime> so you might as well admit it." even if that's not true.




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