LA needs donations to cover MJ Memorial

[KSigkid]

Originally Posted by LAblondeGPhi

In general, I think it's too easy for people to complain about how government works without really bothering to understand the complexities of the situations that governments face.

I have an excellent understanding of how cities (large and small) and state governments work, but I agree with your general point.

As to the "Right to Assemble" point - I'm a law student about to finish law school, so I understand the general idea of it as it relates to the First Amendment; I was just a bit confused as to how it would cause a problem in this case. I'm no expert on the Right to Assemble, but I would imagine there's case law out there that restricts the rights of citizen to congregate in areas where a high concentration of people would put public safety at risk.

[LAblondeGPhi]

Originally Posted by KSigkid

As to the "Right to Assemble" point - I'm a law student about to finish law school, so I understand the general idea of it as it relates to the First Amendment; I was just a bit confused as to how it would cause a problem in this case. I'm no expert on the Right to Assemble, but I would imagine there's case law out there that restricts the rights of citizen to congregate in areas where a high concentration of people would put public safety at risk.

I could definitely be stepping all over the already blurry lines about the right to assemble. I'll freely admit that. Additionally, you probably do have a better understanding of many of the technical aspects of where this would stand.

At least in my dealing with the City regarding some types of street closures, LAPD errs on the other side of Caution's back fence. They don't just want to have a case that's defensible in court, they want to have a case that would be thrown out for lack of grounds, but even better yet, never gets to that point in the first place.

Okay, I'm done now.

On a completely separate note, are you entering your 3L year or studying for the bar? At any rate, congrats for being almost done.

[KSigkid]

Originally Posted by LAblondeGPhi

At least in my dealing with the City regarding some types of street closures, LAPD errs on the other side of Caution's back fence. They don't just want to have a case that's defensible in court, they want to have a case that would be thrown out for lack of grounds, but even better yet, never gets to that point in the first place.

And I can definitely understand that - the last thing you want is some sort of crowd riot, or people getting hurt during this thing. I don't know that I have as much of a problem with the use of the LAPD, as I do with the method of paying for their use. But I agree the city was in a bit of a tough spot, especially if the Jackson famly is dragging its feet on reimbursing the costs.

(I'm entering my last semester, I graduate in January - not soon enough!)