Friday, March 27, 1998
Police seize Heicklen's 'joint' again
Officers from University Police Services confiscated at least one "joint" yesterday from retired professor Julian Heicklen during his weekly marijuana protest in front of University Gates.- Julian Heicklen, retired professor
Police officers have been present for the past few weeks at the
protests and officers were at the rally from the start of it yesterday.
Officers confiscated the cigarette from Heicklen a short time
after he lit it.
Lutz said the police have always had officers in the area of the
protest for crowd management purposes.
"We take it by a case-by-case, day-by-day basis, depending
on what the protest is about and who is involved," Lutz said.
Four of the five charged with smoking marijuana during a protest
in February had their preliminary hearings Wednesday. Even though
Heicklen had his preliminary hearing, he said he continued smoking
marijuana this week because he feels he is not getting the speedy,
impartial trial that he said he deserves.
"I want a real, honest-to-God trial," Heicklen said
during the protest. "Ultimately I'll have an honest trial
and not the joke they are trying to perpetuate."
Heicklen said he feels he is not receiving a fair trial because
of the speediness of the hearing, the prohibition of cameras in
the courtroom and Heicklen's inability to speak during a preliminary
hearing Wednesday for which he acted as co-counsel.
--by Emily Rehring
