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Justice Department Asks For Dismissal Of Insane Clown Posse’s FBI Lawsuit *Updated*

The United States Justice Department is seeking the dismissal of a lawsuit filed by the Insane Clown Posse. On Monday, a Detroit federal judge will be hearing arguments from both the United States Justice Department and ACLU of Michigan Cooperating Attorney Saura Sahu and ICP attorney Howard Hertz about the motion filed.

In their motion the United States Justice Department states that ICP and its fans have no standing to sue. They also says it’s not liable for any problems caused by law enforcement groups that might use information in the 2011 FBI report.

Once we hear any more on this court session we will let you know.

From the ACLU:

What’s happening in court today?

The hearing will probably last about an hour and, almost certainly, the judge will “take under advisement,” meaning that it is highly unlikely that he will issue an oral ruling from the bench. Typically the judge will issue a written opinion in 2-6 weeks, but the timing is completely within the judge’s discretion.

Most of the argument will address whether the Juggalos have “standing” to challenge the gang designation and whether there is a valid claim alleged under the Administrative Procedures Act — pretty technical stuff.

From ICP’s Facebook Page:

Update from today’s court hearing: Basically our attorneys and the ACLU presented the evidence in front of a Federal judge, asking for this case to go to trial (the FBI wants the case dismissed). The judge is expected to issue a written decision sometime over the next few weeks (the legal process is always slow as fuck). Apparently our attorneys and the ACLU presented a BOMB ASS presentation showing how Juggalos are getting the bone from the FBI. We’ll let you know more news as it unfolds! MCL!

From timesunion.com:

Lawyers for the federal government and fans of rap-metal duo Insane Clown Posse clashed in court Monday over whether the FBI can be sued for the negative fallout of describing them as a loosely organized gang.

Some fans, called Juggalos, claim to have lost custody of children, lost jobs and been denied housing simply because they enjoy the music of the duo from the Detroit area. Another fan was told he couldn’t apply to the Army without removing or covering Insane Clown Posse tattoos, usually a man running with a hatchet.

Justice Department attorney Amy Powell said the group and its fans have no standing to sue. She said the government is not responsible for how police agencies use information in the 2011 national gang report.

Powell said a “subjective chill” as alleged by plaintiffs was not enough to be in court.

“There is no general right of protection to a social association,” she said, referring to First Amendment violations argued by Insane Clown Posse and its fans.

The FBI report labeled the Juggalos as a “loosely organized hybrid gang.” It said those who identify as Juggalos have committed assaults and vandalism, and a “small number” of them have engaged in more serious crimes.

There is no reference to Juggalos in the 2013 report, Powell told U.S. District Judge Robert Cleland.

Saura Sahu, an attorney for four fans, encouraged the judge to keep the lawsuit alive. He said the government’s analysis of gangs is critical information for police but the report “went too far here.”

Cleland suggested the government has the upper hand in the case. He said he’d probably make a decision in July.

Insane Clown Posse members Joseph Bruce, or Violent J, and Joseph Utsler, known as Shaggy 2 Dope, are plaintiffs but didn’t appear in court Monday. They are known for wearing face paint when they perform.

 

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    Faygoluvers Comments

  1. byron166long

    byron166long

    Comment posted on Monday, June 23rd, 2014 01:59 pm GMT -5 at 1:59 pm

    Haha cunts.

  2. twiztidkillaxxx2

    twiztidkillaxxx2

    Comment posted on Monday, June 23rd, 2014 03:14 pm GMT -5 at 3:14 pm

    Damn obama lol

  3. BlackSand

    BlackSand

    Comment posted on Monday, June 23rd, 2014 03:29 pm GMT -5 at 3:29 pm

    Seems the “Justice” Department can’t put together a valid argument that will stand in court so they rather try some weasel moves to win this. Hopefully the judge will see through their evasive tactics and let ICP stand up to this erroneous labeling of their fan base.

  4. D_knw

    Comment posted on Monday, June 23rd, 2014 08:01 pm GMT -5 at 8:01 pm

    Swing our hatchets if we must. Each an every one of us….

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