> why do you need a specific bill to allow you to sue a police officer for arresting you for doing something that isn't a crime? Laws don't exist in a vacuum d

> why do you need a specific bill to allow you to sue a police officer for arresting you for doing something that isn't a crime? Laws don't exist in a vacuum devoid of everything but reason. They are crafted to encourage or discourage the norm. If you point a camera at a cop, he will tell you to put it away. If you don't, you will likely be arrested. For what? For being disorderly, since you're not following his instruction. Now, is the prosecutor going to pursue it? No, because as you said, the law clearly states you can do that. But guess what? Your ass just spent the weekend in jail. And no, you won't be compensated for it. This law creates a strong dis-incentive for the police officer to do that to you. I only wish similar laws were introduced in my home state of New Jersey. Here is a fine example from my state: http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2012/04/people_arrested_on_minor_charg.html http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2012/04/people_arrested_on_... Read a bit below the Supreme Court decision. This man was abused, arrested, strip searched, and thrown in jail ... because the police officer thought he didn't pay some fine, when he in fact paid it.