By
Shane Goodman Publisher/Editor
People who have consumed more than a couple
alcoholic drinks at one setting and then walked
outside have likely wondered if they were breaking
the law. The answer, in Iowa, is yes. Although
it is legal for persons age 21 or older to consume
alcohol, it is not legal for those same people
to be under the influence of it. Or, to confuse
matters more, they can't even appear to be under
the influence of it. The public intoxication
law provides police officers with a way to arrest
troublesome individuals in crowds who refuse
to disperse or habitual drunks loitering in
public places. The law has its place, yes, but
as this week's cover story points out, it is
very broad in meaning and conflicts with laws
that provide people of legal age to consume
alcohol in public places. Does the penalty fit
the crime? Or should public intoxication be
a crime at all? Read on and decide for yourself.
CV
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