Question for Resident Lawyer Mike P

[Roger]

Originally Posted by PaulS

1) How about if he was shining a light on the water to scare the fish or 2) If was throwing rocks in the water (not near the fisherman) - would that be harrasment?

Both MA and RI have anti harassment laws with wording similar to this:

"No person may willfully interfere with the lawful hunting, fishing or trapping of a wild animal, wild bird or fish. Disturbing wild animals, wild birds or fish. No person may willfully disturb or attempt to disturb a wild animal, wild bird or fish with the intent to interfere with the hunting, fishing or trapping of them. "

I gather from Swimmers post that it may be difficult to find a cop to enforce the law, but it's worth trying. You might get a one that gives a crap.

[Swimmer]

Originally Posted by Roger

Both MA and RI have anti harassment laws with wording similar to this:

"No person may willfully interfere with the lawful hunting, fishing or trapping of a wild animal, wild bird or fish. Disturbing wild animals, wild birds or fish. No person may willfully disturb or attempt to disturb a wild animal, wild bird or fish with the intent to interfere with the hunting, fishing or trapping of them. "

I gather from Swimmers post that it may be difficult to find a cop to enforce the law, but it's worth trying. You might get a one that gives a crap.

I am speaking from seeing cases go by the boards in court with a snicker by judges who don't want to do their job. You have no idea what it is to put a case together with the proper elements of the crime present to get a finding of guilt in court. Cops don't do fish and game. They are not trained to do fish and game. Cops leave that to the epo's. Next time someone bothers you while fishing try handling it yourself first, but if you don't find a cop that gives a crap after first trying yourself go to court if you want, and anyone can do this mind you in Massachusetts, and that is go to your district court and apply for a complaint against someone, it cost $15.00, for whatever charge you think they commited, and see if the court clerk gives a crap Rodger. One more thing Rodger, find a link to the legal wording you just posted in the chapters and sections of Mass. General Law, I would like to rear it all.

[Roger]

Originally Posted by Swimmer

I am speaking from seeing cases go by the boards in court with a snicker by judges who don't want to do their job. You have no idea what it is to put a case together with the proper elements of the crime present to get a finding of guilt in court. Cops don't do fish and game. They are not trained to do fish and game. Cops leave that to the epo's. Next time someone bothers you while fishing try handling it yourself first, but if you don't find a cop that gives a crap after first trying yourself go to court if you want, and anyone can do this mind you in Massachusetts, and that is go to your district court and apply for a complaint against someone, it cost $15.00, for whatever charge you think they commited, and see if the court clerk gives a crap Rodger. One more thing Rodger, find a link to the legal wording you just posted in the chapters and sections of Mass. General Law, I would like to rear it all.

I don't know why your panties are in a knot - My only inclination to think the authorities don't care is from YOUR POST. Oh, BTW, do your own freakin research unless you're willing to pay my hourly rate. And learn to spell my name if you're going to call me out.