Friday, September 9, 2011

Homework 1

In Europe, it is common to see speed cameras on the road.  Two states have already begun using them, and people are wondering if it will become a trend for the rest of the United States.  These cameras see if people are speeding, and snap a picture of the speeders licence plate, and sends them a ticket in the mail.

In Maryland, legislation passed a bill that allowed the cameras to be set up around schools and work zones.  Supporters for it say that with these cameras in place, it encourages drivers to slow down.  It has also been reported that since the cameras have been in place, the roads have been safer with less accidents.

Opposition for the cameras believe that they are an invasion of privacy.  They also feel that with the cameras, a person is presumed guilty before a trial, which goes against the constitution.  They also believe that the cameras are just a way for local government to make money, but supporters say if they don't want to pay, then don't break the law.

Speeding is against the law, there's no way around it.  If a person is caught by a police officer speeding, they know they will get a ticket, but is it right to get a ticket and not even know?

2 comments:

  1. if the speed limit is 40 and if you are going 60 I dont think you need a cop there to ticket you.But i think another question here is, are the cameras reliable?

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  2. Here we go with the Big Brother trip again! We know how much freedom Europe has. Should we be emulating them? The law is to be enforced and the cameras help do that but at what cost?Would this be any different than entering video evidence at a murder trial? The most likely effect of this will be to increase revenues for the states and cities that use this.

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