Nickels is money too
Man charged with disorderly conduct for paying disputed medical bill in pennies:
the arresting officer contended that West’s protest served “no legitimate purpose.”
Oh, well, that makes it OK. I mean if some one says it serves no purpose then you lose your right to protest and engage in commerce.
June 8th, 2011 at 9:08 am
At least he didn’t load the pennies into shotgun shells.
June 8th, 2011 at 9:11 am
Utah law does require that disorderly conduct be charged only when an action serves no legitimate purpose. However, Utah law usually sides with the defendant in this situation. Hopefully that will carry over in this case. Their argument will be that the first amendment alone is a legitimate purpose. At least, that’s how it plays out in my head!
June 8th, 2011 at 9:33 am
LOL so much for “legal tender for all debts, public and private…”
June 8th, 2011 at 9:34 am
That story sounds outrageous at first, but I wouldn’t jump to this guy’s defense too quickly. The version I read from Drudge made it sound like he dumped the pennies all over the place.
June 8th, 2011 at 9:43 am
Well that would make him disorderly. And an ass.
June 8th, 2011 at 9:58 am
Generally when people get paid in such a manner they had it coming… The courts better watch it because I bet he will pay the fine in the exact same manner….
June 8th, 2011 at 10:11 am
The original article said he did dump them all over. However, the company in question has had 2 billing complaints filed against them with the BBB and the man is on record as saying he went in with the pennies in a container and that’s where they remained. Don’t know if that’s for sure the case, but that’s what was being said.
Been talking about this one for a few days, now.
http://www.utahconcealedcarry.com/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=11997
June 8th, 2011 at 10:13 am
So paying of debt serves no legitimate purpose?
Huh. I wonder if I can max out my credit card buying guns, and say that to VISA when the bill comes.
June 8th, 2011 at 10:39 am
In most states (Federal too, maybe?), if they refuse your payment, they are waiving your debt in full.
June 8th, 2011 at 11:39 am
I’d also want to know all the facts. Was he shouting obscenities? Not leaving after being told to do so? The payment alone shouldn’t be D.C., but the potential actions that could have accompanied it might be.
June 8th, 2011 at 4:36 pm
I recall reading somewhere that pennies are legal for payment of public debts only up to $0.50 perhaps it was something to do with Depression era IRS protests.
June 8th, 2011 at 5:05 pm
Glad to see someone else who watches Metalocalypse.