Well, here’s an interesting twist in the “block-roadways-for-a-cause” movement.
The San Francisco Chronicle reports (subscription required) that San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins is encouraging people directly affected by Monday’s shutdown of the Golden Gate Bridge to “file a report to authorities because they may be victims of false imprisonment and entitled to restitution.”
I’m curious how many people missed flights out of San Francisco International Airport (SFO) that day because of the protest. (Not just flights, of course, but urgent medical matters, etc. Honestly, one of my biggest fears is taking a family member or friend to the hospital and encountering people shutting down the roads for their cause. Or racing to the airport because I need to get somewhere because a loved one is gravely ill — only for the entrance to be blocked.)
For the record: despite my once working for someone who played an attorney on television, I’m not a lawyer and this is not legal advice. Consult a legal professional before pursuing legal action.
Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) was also affected on Monday. I read reports that protesters blocked entrances and exits from the airport.
But who knows how successful people would be winning their claims for missed flights, medical appointments, etc. — and actually recoup damages? Some protestors might have deep pockets. Others might not.
And is it actually worth the time? In TV shows and movies, lawsuits are open-and-shut cases lasting anywhere between 46 minutes and three hours. (If Martin Scorsese directs the picture, plan on much longer.) Real-life lawsuits can take months to years.
The Protesters’ Rights page on the ACLU’s website is very interesting and informative.
Why Do Protesters Block Roadways In the First Place?
You might wonder, how does making people mad get them on your side?
I recently read somewhere that it’s not necessarily the people in cars the protestors are trying to convert. (Though I’m sure they’d love those folks’ support.) Rather, they want media attention to help spread their message in the hopes of getting people in power to do something.
But that sure doesn’t exactly endear the protestors to the people directly affected.
Final Approach
People affected by protesters blocking roadways may have legal recourse. However, it remains to be seen if filing lawsuits and criminal reports is worth it — and if protesters will be deterred by any consequences.
Keep the Comments section civil. I won’t be shy to shut it down for this post.
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Selfish and rude to inconvenience people for your cause!!get a life and a job. Don’t just rely on what George S is paying you!!!im not sure why it took government entities over 6 hours to clear the golden gate bridge except they were afraid to harm the cuties with their arms in cement drums vs picking them up on a liftand getting them off the bridge asap!!
Many “protesters” don’t know what they are protesting about. Still, it is a fun day out! If the police had a real no-tolerance policy and removed them immediately they started blocking public thoroughfares, they would soon stop. Of course, they have a right to protest but no right whatsoever to inconvenience others. Let them gather in a line miles long at the side of the road. let’s see how many would do that if they were not part of a screaming crowd being egged on by anarchists.
Under California Penal Code section 236, false imprionment is a crime which can be charged as either a felony or a misdemeanor. I simply don’t see that the authorities have the resources to prosecute the protestors through to a conviction, must less secure restitution.
My advice is that if the protestors were processed after being arrested then the authorities have the names and addresses of those individuals. Sue them in San Francisco small claims court. That suit can claim up to $10,000. A much faster process.
Since we have at least one agitator in New York discovered who is heir to a $20 million dollar fortune, it might prove productive to sue protesters in civil court. There is a reason protestors are wearing masks to hide their identity, but the masks come off once they are arrested. May the odds be ever in your favor!