Re: Criminalizing Photography

[wpettit@xxxxxxxxxxxxx]

Not precisely correct.  In the US an arrest creates a record of the event that can be accessed by the public for any legitimate reason.  Evidence of the existence of such a record is often used in background investigations for employment or applications for credit.  

Bill Pettit

-----Original Message-----
From: MichaelHughes7A@xxxxxxx
Sent: Aug 14, 2012 8:38 PM
To: List for Photo/Imaging Educators - Professionals - Students
Subject: Re: Criminalizing Photography

In a message dated 15/08/2012 00:16:54 GMT Daylight Time, palcewski@xxxxxxxxx writes:

Photography is an _expression_ of free speech.

I realize that this was a quotation. I also expect that the question was set up so that the 'learned' counsel could give the audience or readership the benefit of his 'wisdom'

 

The proposition may have had greater credibility if the questioner had said - 'The right to publish a photograph is similar to the right of free speech.

 

Learned counsel might also have included in his response that the 'right of free speech 'does not mean that everyone can say anything they wish no matter what the circumstances.

 

It is important that photographers and law enforcers have adequate guidance about any rules that exist whether they are on the street, within a public building, within a building to which access is allowed .

It should also be borne in mind that in general there are no rights which do not bring with them obligations.

 

'Criminalisation'  This only happens in courts of law.  The policeman who arrests someone because he believes that the person has commited a crime does not 'criminalize' that person.

 

Michael in Norwich