Four Corners Sequel: Public Reactions

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I was quite interested in the stories  about the Redd family's attempts to take the federal authorities to court for turning up at the house in Blanding in connection with artefact theft charges. The family had reportedly been in trouble with the law over this before, the family house was full of ancient artefacts and  in a 'sting' operation the sale of one such artefact was documented. Dr Redd however was not willing to face a US court and committed suicide soon after the raid, and now the family want compensation.

 Judge dismisses Redd family's constitutional claims in artifact raid June 12, 2012 • By Brandon Loomis The Salt Lake Tribune A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit by family members of late Blanding doctor James Redd alleging that government agents violated their constitutional rights when raiding the home over artifacts looted from federal and tribal lands. Monday'... Full Story

Feds, family argue over Redd's death in artifact sweep

June 14, 2012 • By Brandon Loomis The Salt Lake Tribune Federal attorneys on Thursday sought dismissal of a wrongful-death claim in the case of a Blanding doctor who killed himself after his arrest on artifact-trafficking charges. In what amounted to James Redd's posthumous day in court, U.S. Departm... Full Story

While the story itself is only moderately interesting (and yes, if 100 armed officers really did turn up at just one house on that morning to arrest a guy and wife, then that does seem to be overkill), I was struck by the comments. Readers may remember that when the news of the case broke, public opinion in the region was sharply divided. Some were appalled at the looting of Native American graves for the objects buried with the deceased and the trashing of archaeological sites for the artefacts for entertainment and sale. On the other hand, many US folk apparently thought taking stuff from the Injuns was nothing particularly reprehensible, that it was something these (white) collectors were fully entitled to do, whatever the law says. Several ineffective verdicts later (in which the US justice system basically sides with the latter) and we see (at least at the moment) a totally different reaction to the case, people are talking about accountability for one's actions and their feelings that if somebody already has been in trouble for doing something which is against the law and they carry on doing it, then they really should not be too surprised if the police take an interest in what is happening.

The case continues:

Judge finds feds used 'unreasonable' force in artifact bust June 26, 2012 • By Brandon Loomis The Salt Lake Tribune. A judge has found that federal authorities who busted a Blanding couple for illegal artifacts trafficking used "unreasonable" force by deploying more than 100 agents to the home for the arrest. U.S. District Court Judge Ted Stewart on Tuesday dismis... Full Story

but again with similar comments.