Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg
I think it’s really dumb of them. Would I arrest them for doing it? No. I think it’s dumb and disrespectful. I would have the same answer if you asked me about flag burning. I think it’s a terrible thing to do, but I wouldn’t lock a person up for doing it. I would point out how ridiculous it seems to me to do such an act.
But it’s dangerous to arrest people for conduct that doesn’t jeopardize the health or well-being of other people. It’s a symbol they’re engaged in.
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If they want to be stupid, there’s no law that should be preventive. If they want to be arrogant, there’s no law that prevents them from that. What I would do is strongly take issue with the point of view that they are expressing when they do that.
— Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, in response to questions asked the current controversy surrounding football players refusing to stand during the national anthem, during an interview with Yahoo Global News Anchor Katie Couric. San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who started this movement, has said that he is protesting police brutality against African-Americans and other minorities.
Staci Zaretsky is an editor at Above the Law. Feel free to email her with any tips, questions, or comments. Follow her on Twitter or connect with her on LinkedIn.