Wisconsin: Solidarity Singers vindicated, arrests ruled unconsititutional

[Scuba]

http://wcmcoop.com/2014/02/05/judge-markson-declares-administrative-code-unconstitutional-dismisses-charges/

Dane County Judge John Markson dismissed charges against political dissidents arrested during Scott Walker’s failed crackdown on unauthorized singing in the Wisconsin State Capitol.

Defendants Michael Crute and John Bell, among others, had challenged the constitutionality of the emergency rules, arguing their First Amendment rights under the WI and US Constitutions were violated. Markson agreed in a written decision issued today. Department of Justice Assistant Attorney General Rebecca Weise had argued the cases should proceed.

Markson’s ruling could set precedent that would lead to the dismissal of ~300 charges issued under Administrative Code 2.14(2)(vm)(5) for “unlawful assembly” last summer.

Michael Crute and his attorney Jeff Scott Olson issued a press release. “This is Scott Walker’s ‘Bridge-Gate’,” said Michael Crute.

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[AllyCat]

1. Seems this should be in GD

Thesis huge news. I have two friends now out of the legal system over this

[charmay]

2. Great news!

[hue]

3. Not the final word tho:"The state Justice Department is reviewing the ruling."

http://www.jrn.com/tmj4/news/Judge-throws-out-Wis-Capitol-protest-case-243854581.html

CREATED Feb. 5, 2014
MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- A judge has struck down permit rules being used to prosecute outstanding tickets against Wisconsin Capitol protesters.

A Dane County judge Wednesday dismissed a ticket against Michael Crute.

The judge found state rules requiring small groups of protesters in the statehouse to obtain a permit were unconstitutional.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports the ruling has a limited effect because of a settlement in a prior case.

To settle a federal free speech lawsuit, Gov. Scott Walker's administration agreed in October to pay more than $88,000 in attorneys fees and drop its requirement that larger groups protesting in the Capitol receive a permit.

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They are reporting that this is where Wanker's legal defense $$ went. Well spun!

[Enthusiast]

4. Hear that, Walker, you complete asshole?

[mokawanis]

5. He's in need of some restraint

and in this case, restraint is being applied.

Wasting time, money, and energy to violate free speech and bust people for supposed unlawful assembly. What a governor!

[riversedge]

6. Wasted taxpayer money. While Walker campaigns out of state

[hue]

7. "He's in need of some restraint" errr, like prison!!!

[Lefta Dissenter]

8. Did someone say "VINDICATED?"

It took just a little bit of creativity with our "UNINTIMIDATED" letters...

[Scuba]

9. You are the clever one.

[Lefta Dissenter]

10. HA, I don't get the credit.

We were holding "Unintimidated," and one of our friends came dashing over and started rearranging letters. It was the day after the Markson decision.