Sunglasses at night now a misdemeanor
10 March, 2008 (Washington, D.C.): Wearing a hooded sweatshirt could land you in jail, this according to a controversial memo from the Attorney General's office. In the legal opinion, an attorney for the Justice Department concluded that due to recent terrorist threats and ubiquitous hooded sweatshirt use among criminals, wearing a hooded sweatshirt is enough probable cause to be detained - indefinitely.
"Anyone wearing a hooded sweatshirt with the hood up when weather conditions are not hood-appropriate, and especially at night, is clearly up to no good; plain and simple," the attorney wrote in the memo. The memo went on to say that the color and style of the hooded sweatshirt could be taken into consideration, noting that light colors and college sweatshirts were "less sinister." The one-page document advised police that "while the intent of a person in a hooded sweatshirt can be wide ranging, it is always wise to approach the hooded individual with extreme caution as he or she will not respect your authority and may attack, for no reason."
Critics, including the ACLU, claim that the legal opinion goes against the constitutionally guaranteed freedom of expression and will ultimately lead to discriminatory arrests. "The opinion is vague and legally flawed," said an ACLU spokesperson, "furthermore, it is unclear on what is considered responsible hood use." A legal challenge is expected.
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