I was doing some “algorithm surfing” (i.e. VPN+private tab+click enough youtube videos on a topic=temporarily immersed in someone else’s rabbit hole). In a patriotism rabbit hole, I found this video about a fearless teenager defending himself and his father against police misconduct with knowledge of Utah law.

Question: how can a layperson possibly know that much about the law to rival a cop’s situational power like that?

I’m already familiar with shutting up (I vaguely remember there being a way funnier video but I can’t find it)

but I think not shutting up, and instead sheer CYA, was instrumental to that kid and his dad winning the counterlawsuit. And being friendly has turned a speeding ticket into a warning for me (anecdotal evidence)… once…

Apologies if this question is too American. Also please don’t hit me with another All Cops Are Benzene or something – I could use a usable answer ^ .^

  • davelA
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    1 month ago

    You should probably watch more shut the fuck up videos, until it’s sufficiently beaten into your head. Unless you have years of relevant law schooling under your belt, just shut the fuck up.

    • fool@programming.devOP
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      1 month ago

      Pot Brothers! That’s the video I was thinking of.

      Stfu is widely best (better to do nothing than go negative), but there’s the caveats of self-identification being necessary in some places, and drawing police hostility, isn’t there? (e.g. oh, we’re all nice and joyful? oh… no? nvm… hmm, I sense a traffic violation)

      I’m primarily concerned about that part. What if stfu lets me get framed or get a short end of a stick? How do I prepare? Is stfu the be all end all?

      Haven’t seen the Regent one, I’ll give that a watch.

      • skulblaka@sh.itjust.works
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        1 month ago

        anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law

        There is no situation outside of basic ID verification where any statement you make will benefit you in any way. If a cop has decided he’s going to arrest you then you’re getting arrested. The proper time to fight against that is in court, not at the time of arrest.

    • eldavi
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      1 month ago

      that fact that youtube requires you to sign in just to see the videos shows how effective they are. lol