Is it possible to convict a police officer of murder?

[CapnAwesome]

Once again police have obviously murdered someone and been acquitted. This time a homeless schizophrenic man who hadn't actually done anything illegal. http://www.cnn.com/2014/01/13/us/califor...g-verdict/

Is it even possible to convict a police officer of murder? When the police can get away with killing someone at their discretion is that a police state?

[Chad32]

More and more I'm hearing stories about policemen being able to just do what they want. And of course resisting arrest is punishable to so there really isn't much anyone can do about it. Try to bring out something to record an offense, and they'll take or break your phone or whatever. The people we should be able to trust the most are people that many don't trust at all.

[CapnAwesome]

More and more I'm hearing stories about policemen being able to just do what they want. And of course resisting arrest is punishable to so there really isn't much anyone can do about it. Try to bring out something to record an offense, and they'll take or break your phone or whatever. The people we should be able to trust the most are people that many don't trust at all.

The guy in question wasn't being arrested, he was being questioned. The worst that can be said is that he refused to answer police questions, which is not only not illegal but a fundamental right.

[Rev. Rye]

Actually, it does happen. You remember the woodchipper scene in Fargo? That was based on a real murder. And the murderer was a cop. Guy was called Richard Crafts.

That said, it was off the job; that might have had something to do with it.

[Minimalist]

In this case the problem is the jury.

[Chad32]

More and more I'm hearing stories about policemen being able to just do what they want. And of course resisting arrest is punishable to so there really isn't much anyone can do about it. Try to bring out something to record an offense, and they'll take or break your phone or whatever. The people we should be able to trust the most are people that many don't trust at all.

The guy in question wasn't being arrested, he was being questioned. The worst that can be said is that he refused to answer police questions, which is not only not illegal but a fundamental right.

You have the right to remain silent. That's the first thing any officer is supposed to tell you. There's also the fifth amendment protecting you from having to incriminate yourself.