Ranma ½ Various Law Questions

[foesjoe]

Would a version of the bike defenses for the doors and walls suffice?

Touch the surface once, you get a static shock - touch it repeatedly and the shock increases in strenght until deactivated.

And the motivation could be that the guy works or worked for the Boss, and overheard Ranma's reason for winning all that money in the underground fighting. As he now knew Ranma had a lot of money, he might not be under the impression that Ranma spent most of his money on property and building supplies - or might conveniently forget it.

"Big home crops up over night = loads of money" kind of philosophy.

The alarm system works, but you need to see the other side of that big house equals lots of money equation too.

Big scary streetfighter who annihilated all the strongest fighters in their area with ease and who has unknown abilities builds a new home. Has proven that he is neither stupid nor careless. He likely has at least an alarm system. Big scary dude sleeps in that home. He will get really pissed if he catches you trying to steal from him. Danger! Danger! Danger!

And your burglar can't be an idiot either or he'd be long rotting in a jail cell. Unless it is some kind of thug who's hard on cash and decided he'd try his hand at something different besides beating people up for money. Breaking into a home and cleaning it out seemed like a good way of getting quick and easy cash to him.

But then the idea of a law-suit shouldn't be the burglar's. You already mentioned Mr Ewing. He should get wind of that attempted break-in and just check it out out of curiosity. He already has a grudge with Ranma, keeping taps on him for revenge purposes doesn't seem that far-fetched. Ewing sees that the burglar is injured and smells a chance at getting back at Ranma.

 

[PCHeintz72]

Bayville seems like a nice town without much crime, I don't think many people there have alarm systems installed in their home. It would be a lot easier and likely more lucrative as well to break into one of the other houses. You need to explain why the burglar doesn't pick one of the quaint little homes as his target but Ranma's house instead.

There is crime in Bayville, or there was, what with the Bayville Sirens having been active previous to this.

Would a version of the bike defenses for the doors and walls suffice?

Touch the surface once, you get a static shock - touch it repeatedly and the shock increases in strenght until deactivated.

And the motivation could be that the guy works or worked for the Boss, and overheard Ranma's reason for winning all that money in the underground fighting. As he now knew Ranma had a lot of money, he might not be under the impression that Ranma spent most of his money on property and building supplies - or might conveniently forget it.

"Big home crops up over night = loads of money" kind of philosophy.

The revenge bit is nice, but has a bunch of potential holes in it.

In reality, and at least my area... there is one defense they could make that would actually possibly work.

Electrified fenses I think can only be on commercial proerty with tons of warning signs, not residential houses... ditto for barbed wire. That might be applied to windows.

However, this is Bayville.... Xavier has laser canon and spinning sawblade shooters...

Possibly a sub charge of wrongful defamation or body mutilation might exists if Ranma wrote thief on the forehead, or somesuch. While this might actually work, since proof would be present on the guys forehead... that would likely be small potatoes as far as court issues go.

Additionally, Xavier would likely help Ranma getting any defense attourneys needed for such a situation...

Even more additionally, a judge, or even Ranma, might well counter accuse or charge that Mr. EWing could not properly defend his client due to conflict of interest, since there is the ongoing investigation into EWing's son in the case against Ranma. They could get around this by having a partner in the firm EWing works for do the in court defense, and EWing works behind the scenes.

 

[Mageohki]

Forget this idea. Bayville == UPSTATE New York

Meaning there'd be NO lawsuit.

period. Even discounting New York BEING a state with clear "you can't sue your victim" laws, the 'suits' agasint VICTIMS only works in heavy blue (democrat) voting blocks, when the judge's elected (as most NY judges are.)

Look. The number of SUCCESSFUL lawsuits agasint a victim, in ANY area number in the low 10%. When you move into the 'republican' zones, or strong 'conservative' areas (which New york IS, outside New York city, to an large extent) it's nearly zero. There's an EXCEPTION, mind you, but it'd be not applicable. Any lawyer taking this case, would be laughed out of court.

Edit: One of the few states without explict protection laws, is Lousiana. That's not becasue a lawsuit would be not dismissied, it's becasue of the Losuiana's legal code. You, as homeholder, can do whatever you want, in premise to (there are limits, but to a burglar? *snerk!*) ANYONE on your property.

A.

 

[Ice-Tea-1983]

Okay, another question - for a different story, true, but still a burning issue.

What would be the repercussions for a situation where someone was strip-searched in an airport and nothing illegal or suspect was found?

Would anything happen at all, apart from a possible apology from the officer conducting the search, or would it be implied that its the victim's fault for dressing or acting in a manner which would make them perform such an invasive action?

If it helps, this is supposed to take place in Dulles Airport, Washington DC.

 

[Luthorne]

Um...I doubt that there would be any repercussions, unless it was done in a particularly rude or invasive manner. If you fit a profile, or happen to be acting in a suspicious manner, then they will probably search you. If you could prove it was being done as a means of harassment or fulfilling some sort of grudge against you, you might have grounds for some sort of case, but even then it would probably be very shaky...I mean, they really don't want security guards to be hesitant to search someone if they think something's wrong, given the possible alternatives...though, I could be wrong. :unsure:

 

[PCHeintz72]

Okay, another question - for a different story, true, but still a burning issue.

What would be the repercussions for a situation where someone was strip-searched in an airport and nothing illegal or suspect was found?

Would anything happen at all, apart from a possible apology from the officer conducting the search, or would it be implied that its the victim's fault for dressing or acting in a manner which would make them perform such an invasive action?

If it helps, this is supposed to take place in Dulles Airport, Washington DC.

Ehhh... you mean a full strip serach? Would they not need to suspect something is definately wrong before going to that extreme?

In most cases, I would think normal searches enough unless looking for drugs or the metal detectors are coming up positive and you do not have a medical card for yourself.

I do know the new virtual strip search scanners are supposed to be completely legal, if in dispute on their use.

If this is for Ranma, it might be funny if they were looking for something he had in hidden weapons space.

 

[Ice-Tea-1983]

Stripped down to his undies and 'frisked', but no cavity searches - I'm not cruel.

The reason he might stick out is because he had no luggage, and his visa was for work, which would be suspect.

 

[PCHeintz72]

Stripped down to his undies and 'frisked', but no cavity searches - I'm not cruel.

The reason he might stick out is because he had no luggage, and his visa was for work, which would be suspect.

Why would a work visa be suspect? And what reason would you give to even take the search that far?

 

[nuclear death frog]

That's not enough grounds for strip-searching unless they want their asses sued *badly*, especially in a pre-9/11 enviro, which I think this story is. You need serious justification to do a strip search.

 

[Ice-Tea-1983]

Would it not be suspect to enter a country with a work visa, but no luggage?

 

[Ordieth117]

It depends on who knows whom, and how likely you're to get your complaint heard by the authorities or news agencies.

At the very least, an investigation might occur. If "probably cause" is found (either genuine or buddy-buddy), then you get nothing.

 

[nuclear death frog]

Would it not be suspect to enter a country with a work visa, but no luggage?

Luggage can be bought. Some people like to travel very light. Me personally, for example.

 

[Hawk]

I do know the new virtual strip search scanners are supposed to be completely legal, if in dispute on their use.

I went on a trip last month. I saw one of those full body scanners. They only used it once in around half an hour of me watching.

Totally off topic, but the person I was behind in security I wanted them to demand a search for. Be that much of an ass and the whole place is going to back up that you were being suspicious. Freaking idiot!

I didn't see anybody actually get strip searched though, and one of the people I was traveling with brought nothing.

Another thing to keep in mind though is that you check your luggage before you get to the personal security check point. So the inspectors don't actually know if you have luggage or not.

 

[PCHeintz72]

Would it not be suspect to enter a country with a work visa, but no luggage?

Why... any paper materials needed for work could have been sent electronically or faxed prior. Alternatively, any tools needed might be provided on hand. Any clothes could be bought in country. Realistically... as long as he/she has wallet/purse, visa, and a few other potential odds and ends, I fail to see why one would even need a carry on, depending on exact circumstances.

With no clue what the person with the work visa was to be doing in the country... reasonable explanations could probably be found as to why he or she might not need much in the way of luggage.

If Ranma or a martial artist like him, it would be hilarious if he set off metal detectors even when it looked like he had nothing due to stuff in hidden weapons space. That could also warrant a search. But if it cannot be seen, touched, or detected by bulge or scanners... who it to know to stop him/her.

 

[Ice-Tea-1983]

Okay, how about elaborating the situation a bit?

This person, Ranma, an Asian, tough-looking with absolutely no luggage whatsoever apart from ticket, passport and visa, (no money or credit cards) enters the line of a very suspicious officer who thinks he sees Ranma behaving in a strange manner, and being hesitant in his answers during the passport inspection.

The reasons for picking Ranma out of a lot of people are partly racial, partly bias against 'jocks' from the old High School days.

Ranma is taken aside to a small room and stripped, 'frisked' and questioned - when nothing suspicious turns up in the presence of two security officers (or whatever they are called) and the original officer starts demanding a cavity search, the man is reprimanded, Ranma gets an apology for the inconvenience and unpleasant greeting and is sent away.

Does this sound somewhat plausible?

 

[PCHeintz72]

Okay, how about elaborating the situation a bit?

This person, Ranma, an Asian, tough-looking with absolutely no luggage whatsoever apart from ticket, passport and visa, (no money or credit cards) enters the line of a very suspicious officer who thinks he sees Ranma behaving in a strange manner, and being hesitant in his answers during the passport inspection.

The reasons for picking Ranma out of a lot of people are partly racial, partly bias against 'jocks' from the old High School days.

Ranma is taken aside to a small room and stripped, 'frisked' and questioned - when nothing suspicious turns up in the presence of two security officers (or whatever they are called) and the original officer starts demanding a cavity search, the man is reprimanded, Ranma gets an apology for the inconvenience and unpleasant greeting and is sent away.

Does this sound somewhat plausible?

Hmmm... Not really entirely... But I am no expert on security at airports.

The problem is a few items... Ranma being nervous and spotted I could see getting extra attention, even pulled aside for discussion. I cannot see that as only reason for a strip search. They have his passport, they should be able to have someone see if he has a criminal record. Check into who issued the visa, and its validity, etc...

No money or credit cards would be unlikely, how was ticket paid for? food? etc...

If Ranma was to meet someone upon landing that had all that he could merely inform them of that.

As for Ranma's physique.... I do not think upon mere sight his appearance comes off in the way you describe... he is really not that big or intimidating looking.

 

[Stick-Man Smith]

Okay, how about elaborating the situation a bit?

This person, Ranma, an Asian, tough-looking with absolutely no luggage whatsoever apart from ticket, passport and visa, (no money or credit cards) enters the line of a very suspicious officer who thinks he sees Ranma behaving in a strange manner, and being hesitant in his answers during the passport inspection.

The reasons for picking Ranma out of a lot of people are partly racial, partly bias against 'jocks' from the old High School days.

Ranma is taken aside to a small room and stripped, 'frisked' and questioned - when nothing suspicious turns up in the presence of two security officers (or whatever they are called) and the original officer starts demanding a cavity search, the man is reprimanded, Ranma gets an apology for the inconvenience and unpleasant greeting and is sent away.

Does this sound somewhat plausible?

Depends on the time period. Pre 2000 I don't see anything like this happening. Set for now they would be more likely to stuff him in a holding pen for hours while they check his passport.

You could probably get away with this if it is set between '02 and '04.

 

[Ice-Tea-1983]

It is supposed to be a Ben10 crossover, and Ranma is to meet the Tennysons on the airport - it's 'Omnitrix Astray' if anyone is curious. The Ben10 series started in 05, but might actually have been set a year or three before.

 

[PCHeintz72]

It is supposed to be a Ben10 crossover, and Ranma is to meet the Tennysons on the airport - it's 'Omnitrix Astray' if anyone is curious. The Ben10 series started in 05, but might actually have been set a year or three before.

I know nothing of Ben10, other than I know some crossovers exist with it.

...

After looking it up... not for me...

 

[Ice-Tea-1983]

What if there had been a group of Japanese boys who had smuggled something illegal into the country through that area over the past week, would that make it easier to justify a strip search?

 

[PCHeintz72]

What if there had been a group of Japanese boys who had smuggled something illegal into the country through that area over the past week, would that make it easier to justify a strip search?

I would not think so...

First off... that is one of the busier airports in the U.S. They likely get Japanese in all the time.... likely hundreds a day. Especially if it is... you know... flights from Japan.

Also... were something like that ever made public, it would be considered Racial discrimination... The Airport and anyone doing it, would want to do their damnedest to keep that kind of situation from blowing up on them. In fact would likely just plain not do it in the first place.

EDIT: A check showed in November 2008 alone, they recieved 2300+ international flights and 217000+ passengers... No clue how many were from Japan though, since the report I read only split it domestic/international. How many you think were of asian decent though.

 

[Ice-Tea-1983]

Does this mean I should forget the idea and just skip to the meeting instead of going over an embarrassing episode before the meeting?

 

[PCHeintz72]

Does this mean I should forget the idea and just skip to the meeting instead of going over an embarrassing episode before the meeting?

Does it really need to be a strip search? I could easily see reasons for possibly detaining and questioning and conventional non-strip searches...

But not knowing details of story, and backdrop of Ben10 you are trying to create... I can't give any more help. Maybe one of the others can think of reasons.

 

[Ice-Tea-1983]

No need for others to come up with suggestions, I'm deleting that section of the chapter ... done, now Ranma only meets the Tennysons at the baggage claim.