A Little Zap Could Do Ya

Trey Smith

The ACLU has posted an interesting study that could have profound implications for criminal and torts cases involving injuries or deaths from tasers. We have been following such cases for years (here and here and here and here and here) now a study published by the American Heart Association refutes the claim that tasers are “nonlethal.” The AHA study shows that a rising number of people are dying after being hit by the 50,000 volt shocks (followed by 100 microsecond pulses of 1,200 volts). Since 2001, more than 500 people in the United States have died after being hit by police tasers.

A study appearing in the AHA’s Circulation Journal confirms the lethal record of tasers. It also details how they have been used against children, pregnant women and the mentally ill.
~ from Don't Taze Kill Me, Bro: New Study Refutes Claim That Tasers Are “Non-Lethal” by Jonathan Turley ~

Here's what bothers me about the frequent use of tasers. Let's say some the peaceful OWS protesters decided to use tasers to help ward off police brutality. Once the protesters were arrested, do you think the state would argue that tasers are non-lethal? As Cenk Uygur would say, Of course not! No, it is far more likely that prosecutors would argue that the officers' lives were in mortal danger!

But that's how our two-tiered justice system works these days. Actions that would get you and me thrown into jail don't cause the same consternation when utilized by the police, government or corporate big wigs. If you or I went on a robbery spree targeting senior citizens, we would be labeled Public Enemy Number One. If a hedge manager or a corporate CEO robs senior citizens blind, not only will he not be arrested, he'll probably earn a big fat raise!