Salon's Explainer dives into the circumstances of Henry Louis Gates arrest. I've excerpted the highlights:
Gates repeatedly requested the arresting officer's name and badge number. Gates says the officer provided neither, although the officer claims that he did, in fact, state his name. Was the officer required to provide this information?Yes. Massachusetts law requires police officers to carry identification cards and present them upon request. Gates initially refused to emerge from his home and provide identification. Was he required to?
No.
The arresting officer alleges that Gates shouted at him and threatened to speak to his "mama." He then arrested Gates for disorderly conduct. What, exactly, is disorderly conduct?
Behavior that might cause a riot.
Know your rights and also have some powerful people in your Rolodex.
[Via]