footchester
New Member
As an 'outdoors' type, I occassionally find myself reading stories about "eco-activists" and their entanglements with the legal system. One issue that has me very concerned is the recent success of our government in obtaining conspiracy convictions against "activists" who never actually DID anything!
I realize that each case is unique, but could one of you 'legal beagles' PLEASE explain the basic guidelines for conspiracy charges in this type of situation?
For example:
1. three friends get together over coffee at their local cafe every Friday and discuss their favorite book - "The Monkey Wrench Gang". One day, somebody says, "I bet we could do something like that". In our government's eyes, have they already committed a crime?
2. the next week, they bring pen and paper and sketch out a 'theorectical' direct action (pulling up some survey stakes and maybe installing some political signage. No actual action has taken place, but the trio has walked through the steps required. Have they now committed a crime?
3. after a one week break for the holidays, the gang is back and brings along some maps, satellite photos from Google and some other research materials. Can they expect the Feds to come barging in any second?
4. Finally, a date and time have been selected, the Yugo is all gassed up and the rice cakes are all wrapped for travel. As the gang is entering the car, with maps, photos and tools in their packs, the Feds swoop down from black helicopters; they got our brave gang with all the tools necessary to save the spotted owl for at least another year. But they haven't actually done a god darn thing. What are they charged with?
Thank you. Although somewhat sarcastic, this is a very serious post with dreadfully serious implications to many Americans. Please respond as fully as you care to. Thanks!
I realize that each case is unique, but could one of you 'legal beagles' PLEASE explain the basic guidelines for conspiracy charges in this type of situation?
For example:
1. three friends get together over coffee at their local cafe every Friday and discuss their favorite book - "The Monkey Wrench Gang". One day, somebody says, "I bet we could do something like that". In our government's eyes, have they already committed a crime?
2. the next week, they bring pen and paper and sketch out a 'theorectical' direct action (pulling up some survey stakes and maybe installing some political signage. No actual action has taken place, but the trio has walked through the steps required. Have they now committed a crime?
3. after a one week break for the holidays, the gang is back and brings along some maps, satellite photos from Google and some other research materials. Can they expect the Feds to come barging in any second?
4. Finally, a date and time have been selected, the Yugo is all gassed up and the rice cakes are all wrapped for travel. As the gang is entering the car, with maps, photos and tools in their packs, the Feds swoop down from black helicopters; they got our brave gang with all the tools necessary to save the spotted owl for at least another year. But they haven't actually done a god darn thing. What are they charged with?
Thank you. Although somewhat sarcastic, this is a very serious post with dreadfully serious implications to many Americans. Please respond as fully as you care to. Thanks!