Law and Order Requires that Law Enforcement Follow the Rules
Thank you for being one of more than 700 members of Georgia Lawyers for the Rule of Law.
This week we highlight an article from the CATO Institute that discusses the recent shooting of Renee Good in Minnesota. The American concept of “Law and Order” requires that police and law enforcement follow the rules already on the books. Those rules—and the Constitution–dictate when police and other law enforcement can use any force, including deadly force.
It’s important to remember that ICE agents are not police. ICE’s authority is limited by law to when agents are “performing duties relating to the enforcement of the immigration laws.” 8 U.S.C. § 1357.
And even when ICE officers are authorized to make an arrest, federal regulations limit when they may use any force. They are limited to using the “minimum non-deadly force necessary to accomplish the officer’s mission.” 8 C.F.R. § 287.8.
“Deadly force” (such as shooting someone) is limited to when there are “reasonable grounds to believe” it is necessary to protect against “imminent danger of death or serious physical injury.”
Officers cannot place themselves in the path of a vehicle to justify shooting the driver, a tactic this CATO Institute article discusses.
It is essential that the Courts and/or Congress enforce the laws in place such that ICE and Border Patrol conduct themselves within the law. The American concept of “Law and Order” and our constitutional protections require no less.
Read the Cato Institute Article, “Renee Good Wasn’t the First Person Shot in Her Car by ICE. The Justification Followed a Familiar Script.”
Please share both the article and our website with your friends and colleagues in the law and encourage them to join us. There is no cost to join.
Regards,
Georgia Lawyers for the Rule of Law
Additional Statements
The Rule of Law: Justice, Mercy, and the Power to Pardon
The U.S. Constitution grants the president the power “to grant Reprieves and Pardons for Offences against the United States except in Cases of Impeachment.”
Prevent Disruption of November’s Midterm Elections
It’s time to act now to prevent the disruption of November’s midterm elections
Blocking Assaults on the Fragile Freedom to Speak
Freedom of speech is a foundation of our democracy and must be protected.
The Supreme Court’s “Shadow Docket” Is Testing the Rule of Law
The consequences of rulings from the shadow docket are real.
Join Us
We are building a coalition of Georgia attorneys who are committed to the Rule of Law. Please fill out the form if you would like to be part of our initiative to preserve the Rule of Law.
Contact Us
Do you have questions or need to speak with GLRL? Email info@georgialawyersfortheruleoflaw.org, and we'll get back to you as soon as we are able.