MN Defendant wins breathalyzer source code

[LDRydr]

Just when you thought all the DUII defenses had been tried before, first article here and a followup here.

 

[twowheelnut]

On one hand, I'm pissed that a drunk goes (or might go) free. On the other hand, Yippie! for the little guy. Someone needs to bullet proof the Hal 9000.

 

[GunMD]

So what else in this age of software do I have the right to view the source code on? How's bout those side of the road signs that tell me how fast I'm going? And the radar devices in use in patrol cars? Hmmm. This list could go on forever. Did you know that even the tasers have the ability to store data regarding the length of the zap you're given as well has the number of times the LEO juiced ya? Them thar zapper guns can be plugged into one of them new-fangled computing devices and the data can be dumped onto the PC.

Cool, huh?

 

[antvq]

Wonder if I could sue and get the source code to those electronic voting machines? Maybe the source code to the slot machines in Vegas? After all, how do we KNOW they aren't cheating people?

 

[Waaane]

So what else in this age of software do I have the right to view the source code on?

I am all for putting drunk drivers in jail. I am also all for an open system of justice. It seems to me that if the state is going to use data created by a machine to jail people then the people have every right to know how that machine functions.

As the follow up article states there are other companies building this equipment that supply the source code. I think the state of Minnesota better start putting some major pressure on CMI or they are going to be cutting loose a lot of drunks. And that would be a crime

 

[Pjturbo]

Having been involved with software since 1963 I don't trust it completely. Once it's in the machine there is only a 99% chance it will work reliabily all the time. I think one should have the right to obtain the radar gun that tagged you and have it tested by an independent lab in your defense. Just as a living witness can be cross examined a machine should be cross examined.

Phil

 

[LDRydr]

I wonder if these machines have any sort of network connection, maybe to update firmware/software. If so it's at risk of attack.

 

[evil_henchman]

I'm all for putting drunks in jail too. I'm also dead set against ******** arbitrary BAC limits, as a primary means of convicting anybody, that make it oh so easy to make DUI into a big fat cash cow. 3..2..1...CLOSED

 

[FJR919]

I'm all for putting drunks in jail too. I'm also dead set against ******** arbitrary BAC limits, as a primary means of convicting anybody, that make it oh so easy to make DUI into a big fat cash cow. 3..2..1...CLOSED

BAC limits are not arbitrary. The only people who claim they are represent restaurants who don't want their lucrative bar business diminished by customers afraid they might have exceeded the limit. As a prosecutor for 24 years who has had to deal with families who have lost a loved one because some selfish tanked-up person got behind the wheel of a car, I can tell you DUI is not the cash cow like speeding tickets are. It's a serious problem for every community in this country.

 

[1FJR]

As to if the machine is hooked up to a central system. It is not, they have to be sent back into the state agency for recertification every six months. Well that is how it is here in Colorado. I would have to say that 75%-85% of all the serious bodily accidents and deaths in the county I live in are alcohol related. Usually the driver is way over the legal limit.