Governmental attacks on free speech cannot be tolerated. This time, it comes in the form of a new Arizona statutory assault on the rights to peaceful assembly and free speech. The Arizona Republican party launched the in the state Senate. Incredibly, the Senate passed a bill sanctioning criminal racketeering charges against anyone who either participates in, or helps organize, a protest that ultimately turns into a riot.
Incredibly, the statute also permits Arizona to seize the assets of any person who either planned or participated in a peaceful protest that turns into a riot. Furthermore, criminal conspiracy laws typically require proof that the accused actually took a step (participated in an act) to implement the subject of the conspiracy. But under this amazing statute the state can gain a conspiracy conviction to riot without any proof that the accused actually took any steps to implement the conspiracy. Continue reading “Arizona Statutory Assault on the First Amendment – More Irresponsible Legislation”