Why is it that the state trooper can break the law to enforce a law, but he himself does not get punished?
by 
Anonymous
ANSWERS: 2
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Actually, he can't break the law. Certain acts that are illegal normally are legal for an officer of the law to do. Speeding is illegal for most, but ambulances and police are allowed to do it to save a life or to apprehend a suspect. It is still illegal for them to speed during other times, but some do it anyway. That is illegal but seldom enforced. Law enforcement would be difficult if we did not allow some leeway. A criminal could just go over the speed limit every time they were being chased. No criminal would open the door if a warrant was being served because the police would not be able to legally break the door down.
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The other answer is correct. A trooper cannot break the law to enforce the law. However, there are certain things that are illegal for a citizen that are not illegal for a police while conducting official duty. In addition, police discretion means that a cop will often get away with a crime that you would not. For example, a cop will not likely get a speeding ticket even though he was speeding in his own car while off duty. Similarly, nurses usually will get away without a ticket as well. This is becasue if the officer is ever in a situation where he needs backup, it is more likely that another cop will be responding to the call than you. Of course, this does not mean that the cop is above the law. It just means that he is less likely to be charged with a violation in the first place.
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