SirBlazinBowl
New Member
In a courtesy filing in federal court this May Day, Northern Lights
Church v. Gonzales made its quiet debut. With this action, Reverend Thunder Rector joined other church members in an injunction seeking relief from the federal government for the violation of their rights under the United States Constitution.
Stemming from the government's actions in a medical marijuana case in
which Rector is currently a defendant, yesterday's legal action was
based on two principle claims. First, the plaintiffs declare that
the government has acted to deprive them of the constitutionally
protected rights of freedom of religion, freedom of association,
freedom from search and seizure, and equal protection under the 4th
and 5th Amendments. The plaintiffs then assert that the federal
government violated the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993
through the legal actions taken against members of the Northern
Lights Church. According to the doctrine of the church, cannabis is
a sacrament crucial to the formation of a connection with the
Creator, and this spiritual relationship provides members with
guidance in their mission of helping the needy and improving the
world. As cannabis is a central element of this communion, the
plaintiffs claim the marijuana-related charges against Rector and
other church members constitute a substantial burden to their
religious exercise.
In a brief submitted to Judge Oliver Wanger yesterday, the plaintiffs
asked for damages to cover attorney fees, the cost of the suit, and
any other relief deemed proper by the court. The document also laid
out a request for a jury trial in this case. Significant though it was, yesterday's debut was noticeably lacking in glamour. It came last in a line of dozens of tedious criminal hearings, after the proceedings had inched their way through a monotonous afternoon in an excessively-warm courtroom. Looking sharp in a crisp linen suit in spite of the skin-drenching temperature,
Rector's attorney Dennis Roberts flashed his amiable wit at the judge
and asked, "Your Honor, do you think we could get the heat turned up
in here?" The request, in spite of its endearing cleverness, did
little to lighten the mood or to lower the temperature. Judge Wanger
simply sat, quiet and still, like a bug-eyed King Solomon under the
grand rotunda ceiling of the courtroom. Unlike King Solomon,
however, Judge Wanger's verdicts showed little in the way of wisdom
or ingenuity as he ruled on many drug-related offenses throughout the
afternoon.
By the time Rector's matter was heard, little time was left for
discussion. As the clock ticked, the judge became increasingly vocal
about his eagerness to wrap up the afternoon's proceedings and
evacuate the courthouse before the commencement of planned street
protests against House Resolution 4437. With some urgently-rushed
debate, the judge and attorneys hammered out an agreement on the date
of the next hearing on this matter, which is scheduled for June 27th
at 1:30pm in Department 3 at 2500 Tulare Street. Rector is
optimistic about the upcoming court date, and expects many members of
the Northern Lights Church to accompany him at this time. For Rector
and the other parties in the case, this fight for justice is a
crucial one, and all supporters are urged to attend the June 27th
appearance in a demonstration of solidarity.
Newshawk: SirBlazinBowl - 420 Magazine
Source: N/A
Copyright: N/A
Contact: N/A
Website:N/A
Author: Vanessa Nelson
Church v. Gonzales made its quiet debut. With this action, Reverend Thunder Rector joined other church members in an injunction seeking relief from the federal government for the violation of their rights under the United States Constitution.
Stemming from the government's actions in a medical marijuana case in
which Rector is currently a defendant, yesterday's legal action was
based on two principle claims. First, the plaintiffs declare that
the government has acted to deprive them of the constitutionally
protected rights of freedom of religion, freedom of association,
freedom from search and seizure, and equal protection under the 4th
and 5th Amendments. The plaintiffs then assert that the federal
government violated the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993
through the legal actions taken against members of the Northern
Lights Church. According to the doctrine of the church, cannabis is
a sacrament crucial to the formation of a connection with the
Creator, and this spiritual relationship provides members with
guidance in their mission of helping the needy and improving the
world. As cannabis is a central element of this communion, the
plaintiffs claim the marijuana-related charges against Rector and
other church members constitute a substantial burden to their
religious exercise.
In a brief submitted to Judge Oliver Wanger yesterday, the plaintiffs
asked for damages to cover attorney fees, the cost of the suit, and
any other relief deemed proper by the court. The document also laid
out a request for a jury trial in this case. Significant though it was, yesterday's debut was noticeably lacking in glamour. It came last in a line of dozens of tedious criminal hearings, after the proceedings had inched their way through a monotonous afternoon in an excessively-warm courtroom. Looking sharp in a crisp linen suit in spite of the skin-drenching temperature,
Rector's attorney Dennis Roberts flashed his amiable wit at the judge
and asked, "Your Honor, do you think we could get the heat turned up
in here?" The request, in spite of its endearing cleverness, did
little to lighten the mood or to lower the temperature. Judge Wanger
simply sat, quiet and still, like a bug-eyed King Solomon under the
grand rotunda ceiling of the courtroom. Unlike King Solomon,
however, Judge Wanger's verdicts showed little in the way of wisdom
or ingenuity as he ruled on many drug-related offenses throughout the
afternoon.
By the time Rector's matter was heard, little time was left for
discussion. As the clock ticked, the judge became increasingly vocal
about his eagerness to wrap up the afternoon's proceedings and
evacuate the courthouse before the commencement of planned street
protests against House Resolution 4437. With some urgently-rushed
debate, the judge and attorneys hammered out an agreement on the date
of the next hearing on this matter, which is scheduled for June 27th
at 1:30pm in Department 3 at 2500 Tulare Street. Rector is
optimistic about the upcoming court date, and expects many members of
the Northern Lights Church to accompany him at this time. For Rector
and the other parties in the case, this fight for justice is a
crucial one, and all supporters are urged to attend the June 27th
appearance in a demonstration of solidarity.
Newshawk: SirBlazinBowl - 420 Magazine
Source: N/A
Copyright: N/A
Contact: N/A
Website:N/A
Author: Vanessa Nelson
