Pubdate: Fri, 10 Dec 2004
Source: Courier-Post (Cherry Hill, NJ)
Copyright: 2004 Courier-Post
Contact:  http://www.courierpostonline.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/826
Author: Richard Pearsall, Courier-Post Staff
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/people/Jim+Miller (Jim Miller)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal)

DOVER MAN ARRESTED AT BUSH RALLY FINED $400

Protester Accused of Disobeying Police

Evesham

A protester who was arrested during a visit here by President Bush in
October pleaded guilty to disobeying a police officer Thursday and was
fined $400.

"You made things difficult for the Evesham Police," Judge Karen Caplan
told Jim Miller before imposing the fine plus $33 in court costs.

Miller, of Dover Township, Ocean County, was arrested Oct. 18 as he
pushed a wheelchair in protest of Bush while attendees of the event
were leaving a parking lot.

The wheelchair contained a sign that read "George Bush Flip Flopped on
Medical Marijuana," a reference to a cause championed by himself and
his late wife, who died of multiple sclerosis last year.

Miller contends he was leaving the lot at the same time as Bush
supporters in hopes of informing them of his cause when he was stopped
by a police officer and ordered to move aside.

"I did refuse, but I'm not sure it was a lawful order," Miller said
outside the courtroom while waiting for his case to be heard.

Miller, who was charged with disorderly conduct, contended he was only
doing what other rally attendees were doing - leaving - and that
stopping him actually impeded the flow of traffic.

After conferring with Municipal Prosecutor Nicholas Costa and two
police officers, however, Miller said he agreed to plead guilty to a
lesser charge.

"I did violate his command," Miller, a 52-year-old self-employed
carpenter, said in response to a question from Caplan.

Caplan called protest "one of our most treasured rights" and said she
believed Miller's "message was personal and sincere" but admonished
that it must be done "in a time, manner and place that is allowed."

The local ordinance that Miller pleaded guilty to violating makes no
mention of "disobeying" or "violating" a police officer's command.

Titled "Peace and Good Order," the ordinance does make it unlawful to
"hinder or obstruct" any township employee "in the performance of his
duties."

Miller said he made a deathbed promise to his wife to continue their
quest to promote the legalization of marijuana for medical purposes,
principally to relieve pain, and that it was her wheelchair he was
pushing.

Legislation to legalize medical marijuana in New Jersey could be
introduced Monday, according to Assemblyman Michael Patrick Carroll,
R-Morris Township, a sponsor of the bill.
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake