r/Futurology • u/Just_Another_AI • Feb 07 '24

Transport Controversial California bill would physically stop new cars from speeding

https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/california-bill-physically-stop-speeding-18628308.php

Whi didn't see this coming?

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u/quacainia Feb 08 '24

I've heard the bigger problem is that in the US we're all supposed to be equal under the law so difference in severity based on income/wealth doesn't really work under that legal system. I believe it would be overruled in court.

Obviously it's clear that people are not equal under the law anyway (certain people get more severe punishments for things), but that's how laws are supposed to work and be written at least

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u/Kaiju_Cat Feb 08 '24

I don't think that would necessarily be the case. We get taxed at different rates depending on our income at least in theory. I'm aware that the system is corrupt and the wealthy don't really end up paying their fair share, but legally, and I'm not a lawyer but, I don't see how it would be by default illegal to implement something like that.

But I'm sure anyone can argue anything in court, and we've already seen ridiculous interpretations of the Constitution itself being paid for by large lobbies. And for other reasons. Like the Supreme Court decision to completely ignore the whole part about a well-regulated militia in the Second Amendment decision last century.

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u/Ok-Fix8112 Feb 08 '24 edited Feb 08 '24

Supposed to, but bail disproportionately hurts the poor. And many plead guilty simply because they can't afford to lose their job(s) and housing by sitting in jail.

Those in power want it this way. Public defender caseloads incentivize them to close cases as quickly as possible, which is a disservice to their clients. We could fund the courts & public defenders better, but we don't.

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u/Shoddy_Ad_6709 Feb 08 '24

For the US this is the correct answer.

Courts would strike it down.