This is a bad idea:
You’d have to live in a cave not to know that if you’re driving and get stopped by a cop, he or she can ask you to take a breath or blood test, and if you refuse, you lose your license for a while. But you also expect that if you choose the blood test, the cops will take you to a hospital or other place where a medical professional draws your blood.
That’s changing. Utah now allows cops to needle you themselves, right at the site of the traffic stop. The reason seems to be it saves the state money. Other states plan on following suit. Can this be constitutional? I don’t think so.
I don’t care about the Constitutional argument, which I must admit is pretty weak IMHO. However, in a time of HIV, Hepatitis, and any number of virus and creeping crud that are transmitted serologically, it seems like a pretty bad idea to have individuals with a minimum of training using needles on individuals. And this is for the safety of both the policeman and the accused. It won’t be long before an officer is infected, a lawsuit charging abuse on the hands of the cop with the needle, etc. is charged.
BTW- did anyone see the new Law and Order: Trial by Jury? I was watching it last night and laughed to myself when I found myself mentally calling it Law and Order: TalkLeft Edition. At any rate- I thought the show was great. Love Bebe Neuwirth- always have.
Terry
I also saw the latest incarnation of Law and Order, and also liked it. It was, however, a little poignant to watch Jerry Orbach in his weakened state, especially his voice.
The show certainly captured the sense of how very sleazy many defense attorneys are, willing and happy to attempt to free any and all criminals if the fee is right.
CadillaqJaq
I’m with Terry on this one… I was distracted by Jerry Orbach, half expecting him to collapse mid-scene. Also, I expected to see a tagline at the end commemorating him in some way such as the original “Law and Order” did a few weeks ago.
Peter Coyote is a fav of mine and it was sad seeing him cast as a sleaze. Oh well… there’s always the Busch NASCAR event in Mexico City Sunday afternoon.