Charlie Lynch Update

Over at reason.tv, an update on the trial of Charlie Lynch, the medical marijuana dispensary owner in California on trial this week for violating federal drug laws.

Comments

[Colin]

Here's a story about it in the LA Times:

http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/california/la-me-weed26-2008jul26,0,2636549.story

Good luck, Charlie -- we're with you.

[Colin]

I'd think they'd have a tough time finding 12 people in LA willing to convict this man for such nonsense.

I certainly hope they do.

[Isaac Bartram]

Unfortunately, Colin, the way federal prosecutor's get to manipulate the admissability of evidence and witnesses as well as stack juries he likely hasn't got a chance.

Remember, "it's legal in California, we passed an initiative saying so" is not a defense. The jury will not hear a word of it because the defense will not be able to bring it up.

[Colin]

But jurors are still human beings. And as long as that holds, he's got a chance.

I'd feel more confident, though, if he had a good libertarian lawyer instead of couple of public defenders.

[mc]

Alright, gut-check time. Who's ready for a little Gandhi-esque civil disobedience?

Do you want to save this man's life? Then it's time to start handing out fliers around the courtroom. The samizdata should explain the situation in a clear, cool, concise manner, avoiding words like "samizdata."

High-volume distribution should happen daily in order to get the message out.

Beware, if you're brave enough to do this, there is a good possibility of getting arrested and at least briefly detained. That's what happens when the activism gets beyond posting bitchy comments on a political blog. The state ain't no pussycat. And this ain't no time for "sunshine patriots."

Alright libertarians, show me your nuts.

[Andrew]

If I wasn't 3000 miles from California, I'd be right at the courthouse doing that, mc.

[Colin]

I'm not too far away.

If someone sets up something concrete (and legal :)), I might be game.

[TX Guy]

We should organize a legal defense fund for Charlie Lynch. His legal situation will probably bankrupt him and ultimately put him out of business anyway.