Lindsay Lohan mug shot
Mug shot ban headings for vote; news group adamantly opposed
TRENTON — New Jersey lawmakers plan to vote on legislation to make police booking photos of suspects confidential — a bill that’s opposed by the group that represents 20 daily newspapers and other media outlets serving the state.
Bill A-3906, which would make mug shots off-limits unless there is a conviction, has been scheduled by Assembly Speaker Sheila Y. Oliver, D-Essex, a primary sponsor, for a vote Thursday. The proposal has yet to be taken up in the Senate. It would need approvals in both houses before it could be sent to Gov. Chris Christie for his signature.
Laws governing access to public records vary from state to state, but the proposal would make New Jersey one of the few places where newspapers and websites wouldn’t be allowed to use mug shots at the time of a booking.
The New Jersey Press Association, a media trade group, said the legislation is “contrary to New Jersey’s long-standing, strong public policy of open government, including ready access to government records.’’ (Jordan/Asbury Park Press)
The police don’t always arrest guilty people.
There have been many cases of false arrest.
Lots of cases of false accusations, later recanted, especially in sexual assault cases when the ‘accused’s’ name is on the front page of the paper, when arrested, and small story buried in the back of the paper when charges are dropped.
I recall there have been numerous cases like this where the ‘allegations’ ruin someone’s reputation and the person making the false allegation is never charged with a crime.
Excellent point #1