Eleventh Circuit Smacks Georgia Sheriff Around For Posting ‘Don’t Trick Or Treat Here’ Signs In Sex Offenders’ Yards
[FAC NOTE: This is old news already… well not that old, but we already know this, yet the headline and article was too good to not share.]
from the this-is-the-First-Amendment…-perhaps-you-two-should-get-acquainted dept
In 2018, the sheriff of Butts County, Georgia (no, really), Buford T. Justice Gary Long instructed deputies to ruin the Halloween holiday spirt by planting damning signs in the yards of released sex offenders. The sheriff cited no reason for doing this — not even extremely anecdotal “evidence.” Instead, the signs — which warned trick or treaters away from the homes of certain county residents — appeared to be purely punitive: a way to continue to punish criminals who’d already served their time.
Not bad, but I have one little nitpicking thing. I disagree with the current laws seem to be working statement.
I would take two actions: Have the deputy arrested for trespassing on my property; take the sign and place it ‘smartly’ in the trash can.
@CAPT
Take it, place in front of the nearest Sheriff’s office or their HQ, take a picture of it with the Sheriff’s office bldg name prominently shown with the sign, then post online for all the world to see before they remove the sign. Your just compelling the Sheriff to speak his own language. 😀
Statistics show LE are part of the group of people being in a position of trust who become part of those who have sex convictions (or at least caught in compromising ways). It can be called preemptive signage based on the stats before things could happen.
The sheriff will get creative and instead of signs, post banners. Then try to push that through by saying “Well your Honor, you said no signs, we instead posted a banner”.
I’m sure that the powers that be will figure out ways to limit or just ignore this decision like many before it. What I did find interesting is that the fellow who was convicted in Pinellas County in 2004 and moved to Georgia in 2017 actually has a job. The thing that concerns me is that he’s been there for almost five years and he hasn’t been removed. I wonder when he was released from sanctions?
This whole thing is just downright unnecessary, trite and silly. What this all boils down to is law enforcement attempting to post the equivalent of a “WARNING! BAD DOG!” sign in the yards of those forced to register. I really, really don’t see a difference in the messaging. Calling us “wild animals” would ironically be less offensive than “sex offenders.” I can assure you I’ve had my shots and don’t bite, officer, but hey, nice try on going for those extra hero points.
Facts
And isn’t that what the Damn Registry is supposed to do anyway? I mean what is next, Bumper stickers on our cars stating, “Honk if you hate me because I am a sex offender”. Or how about this Beauty “Looking for the Sheriff’s department? Great follow me as I go register”.
Need signs on public easement by sheriff’s offices with, “ Wasting resources on useless laws with your wallet.”
Why does the government act like a bunch of schoolyard bullies trying to get your lunchbox? Geez I’ll never understand the immaturity of our politicians. I have 2 words for them: Grow Up!!
I love the use of the term “self-congratulatory”. I believe that assessment was spot on