'Know why I pulled you over?' Fortunately, California police can't ask you that anymore
A new law requires officers to disclose the reason for traffic stops. It's a victory for law enforcement transparency, accountability and legitimacy.
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Even if the legislation falls short of the ambitions of its supporters, however, it does hold promise for furthering community trust in police by promoting what’s known as procedural justice. In simple terms, procedural justice is the perception of fairness in interactions with authority such as traffic stops.
So, not actual fairness?
I mean, they said right there that's in simple terms.
https://law.yale.edu/justice-collaboratory/procedural-justice
It needs to not only be fair, but appear fair.
If you're speeding, and you get pulled over, and the cop acts confrontational and then gives you a ticket, it doesn't appear fair.
If you're speeding, and you get pulled over, and the cop says they pulled you over for speeding, asks if you had a good reason to be going that speed, and then gives you a ticket when you don't, that appears fair, as well as being fair. The cop acted impartially, gave you a chance to explain yourself, and the outcome matched what you actually did.
It needs to not only be fair, but appear fair.
Ah, okay then.
The appearance of fairness is the basis of our democracy and criminal justice system, it is an American tradition.