Quote:
Originally Posted by DanGarion
As for traffic, if I'm in a car, I'm traffic. There are no laws that let you run red lights because you look both ways, or because of emergencies. If there are let me know so I can cite them when I feel like it.
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The exception is called discretion, reason, and common sense. Police officers are expected and authorized to exercise these abilities. I've known that since before Chief Kunkle came out and said as much with respect to this situation. So, for example, are district attorneys. The laws exist as a baseline. There are always exceptions. It's one of the basic reasons we are entitled to a jury by our peers. (edit - not the main reason, I realized this could be misintepreted)
Yes, in the vast majority of cases, the law should be followed and is a good rule. But there are times when breaking laws is acceptable. And emergency situations in which the act of breaking the law does not infringe on anyone else's rights or safety are the perfect example.