I was doing some “algorithm surfing” (i.e. VPN+private tab+click enough youtube videos on a topic=temporarily immersed in someone else’s rabbit hole). In a patriotism rabbit hole, I found this video about a fearless teenager defending himself and his father against police misconduct with knowledge of Utah law.

Question: how can a layperson possibly know that much about the law to rival a cop’s situational power like that?

I’m already familiar with shutting up (I vaguely remember there being a way funnier video but I can’t find it)

but I think not shutting up, and instead sheer CYA, was instrumental to that kid and his dad winning the counterlawsuit. And being friendly has turned a speeding ticket into a warning for me (anecdotal evidence)… once…

Apologies if this question is too American. Also please don’t hit me with another All Cops Are Benzene or something – I could use a usable answer ^ .^

    • fool@programming.devOP
      1·
      12 hours ago

      Does the adage “know your rights” simply denote “self-identify then stfu then get a lawyer” – and nothing else? If not, where can a layperson find the useful-to-knows? (Yes, look up local law, but it’s basically all scholarly articles or superficial news reports)

      This part is the crux of my question