In case you needed a Reminder: Prison Stinks

nutraloaf

ABC ran this story about nutraloaf– an “alternative” meal served in some prisons, particularly when inmates misbehave. Doesn’t sound too appetizing! Of course, the recipe varies depending where it’s made.

Slate did an interesting piece on the legal challenges it has inspired… Can food be Unconstitutionally bad?

Hey kids try it at home!

 

Governor Rick Scott wants to Raise Law Enforcement Pay

Gov. Rick Scott

Governor Rick Scott announced this week that he is seeking a budget allocation to increase the pay of correctional officers and probation officers. These officers are surprisingly underpaid, starting at under $30,000, which has made it difficult to fill positions and retain officers. The State doesn’t even provide a firearm to probation officers that have to go out in the field to visit felons.

A few weeks ago he also announced that he is seeking a raise for state law enforcement officers, including FHP troopers, as well as FDLE, FWC and other agencies. The requested raise is modest, but probably overdue. I was speaking to some officers in court recently, and was surprised to see troopers leaving FHP to work in local departments, but the financial incentive was just too great. Fair pay is essential for maintaining the quality of our law enforcement officers.

The pay raises will still have to be discussed during the upcoming budget negotiations, and are far from a done deal. Not only is there concern of a deficit, Governor Scott is hoping to cut the budget by over $600 million. Some tough decisions will have to be made, but the law enforcement and corrections raises need to come sooner than later.

Florida State Senator Introduces New Bill to Re-Re-Fix the Death Penalty

Florida Capitol

Florida effectively has no death penalty right now. First, the procedure that had been in effect for years was ruled unconstitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court, in the Hurst decision. Then, the legislature rushed through a new law to try to fix it, but the new law also failed to require a unanimous recommendation by the jury, and the Florida Supreme Court struck it down, as well. A new bill seeks to correct that shortcoming.

This bill in the State Senate is the first step in changing the law to make a lawful death penalty. The Florida House would also have to pass a law, and then for it to be signed by the governor before the State can resume seeking the death penalty. Right now the death penalty is on hold, pending a new law. The House may end up looking at even more extensive changes to the death penalty when they take up the issue, probably in this upcoming session, as well. The legislature may also look at changes to the Stand Your Ground Law this year.

Friday Fun: It’s Illegal to be Fully Nude at a Funeral in Taiwan

Today’s legal lesson- no full nudity at your funeral in China.

Wait, fully nude? The only reason that such a weird law is on the books must be that there was a problem in the past. Apparently it has become common to have the most outlandish possible funeral procession, and that frequently means including pole dancers in the funeral. Apparently, gangsters started the practice of having strippers perform, and it has become more acceptable in many part of China and Taiwan. At the recent funeral for a politician in Taiwan, the procession included 50 pole dancers hired by the son of the deceased, all riding colorful jeep outfitted with poles on the roof. The Chinese government has tried to curb the practice, hence the law against full nudity.

This kind of reminds me of people who were propped up at their own funerals.

Here’s more video about the recent outlandish funeral in Tawian:

Is Medical Marijuana Legal in Florida Now?

Marijuana: Kinda, Sorta, partially legal

Yes… sort of. It is legal to possess marijuana in Florida, only if you have a valid prescription. Only a few dispensaries have been approved, so it will be very difficult to buy it. And getting a prescription will not be that easy, as you have to see a doctor for months before it can be prescribed, and even then, insurance will not be covering it. While voters had their say to legalize medical marijuana, the state has not worked out all the details yet. Also, the Federal government still has marijuana as a scheduled controlled substance, so even if Florida might allow it, the Feds do not.

This has no bearing on recreational marijuana. Possession of any amount of marijuana is a criminal offense in Florida, punishable by up to a year in jail, and with a mandatory driver’s license suspension for anyone convicted. Even if you don’t get jail time, you lose your license.