Pope sued for driving without seat belt

[Ifreann]

The Pope is innocent!

There hasn't been an innocent Pope since 1724.

[Astrolinium]

Why can't I pick that the Pope is guilty and that Knoot hates freedom?

Anyway, I don't believe in diplomatic immunity in the first place, so I definitely think he's guilty.

[Genivaria]

The Pope is innocent!

There hasn't been an innocent Pope since 1724.

[The Parkus Empire]

It's the Pope Mobile, not a freakin' Formula 1 race-car...I don't think the seatbelt is necessary.

I'm afraid is necessary.

[Ceannairceach]

I personally wouldn't mind the Pope getting fined, but I don't know if there is much of a case here.

[Israslovakahzerbajan]

It's the Pope Mobile, not a freakin' Formula 1 race-car...I don't think the seatbelt is necessary.

I'm afraid is necessary.

So...the pope is Japanese now?

[Bottle]

I'd like to see the Pope argue in court that, based on the fundamental belief system of Catholicism, there is no need for him to wear a seat belt. Surely God will not allow His chosen representative on Earth to come to harm unless/until God wishes this to happen.

Of course, the Pope's argument will be immediately undermined by the existence of the Popemobile. Because nothing says "I have faith in God's Plan" like riding around behind three inches of bullet-proof glass.

[The Corparation]

A snail goes faster than the pope mobile.Honestly I don't see a need for them in it. That said diplomatic immunity. however is bring the lawsuit is a troll and people should not feed the trolls.

[Gauthier]

Oh yeah, I can see the Popemobile going nitro on the Autobahn.

[Empire of Symphonia]

Mr Pope, as much as I adore you because I'm Catholic, please remember the law.

You're embarressing us.

You just made my day friend.

For the record, I am Catholic.

But I'm glad someone got a good laugh out of that.

[The Corparation]

Oh yeah, I can see the Popemobile going nitro on the Autobahn.

That would actually be pretty cool.

[greed and death]

Oh yeah, I can see the Popemobile going nitro on the Autobahn.

That would actually be pretty cool.

The new pope often times must drive 150 mph in order to speed excommunicate heretics.

[Rotovia-]

Putting public policy and religion aside, this is an interesting legal question. It is unusual for someone holding diplomatic immunity to be a citizen of the host country.

1. The Pope as head of state for the Vatican (a recognised nation) enjoys diplomatic and sovereign immunity
2. Mr Ratzinger, as a citizen of Germany, is subject to the laws of that nation

My opinion would be that there was a reasonable expectation of immunity and it does not serve the public interest to prosecute in this matter.

[Sociobiology]

Putting public policy and religion aside, this is an interesting legal question. It is unusual for someone holding diplomatic immunity to be a citizen of the host country.

1. The Pope as head of state for the Vatican (a recognised nation) enjoys diplomatic and sovereign immunity
2. Mr Ratzinger, as a citizen of Germany, is subject to the laws of that nation

My opinion would be that there was a reasonable expectation of immunity and it does not serve the public interest to prosecute in this matter.

It could however be used to revoke his diplomat status and have him deported.

[Risottia]

A GERMAN citizen has filed a complaint against Pope Benedict XVI for not using a seat belt in the Popemobile during his September visit to his homeland. ...
Do you think the Pope should be convicted?

No. Germany recognizes the Vatican as a foreign country, and the Pope as its Head of State - hence, because of diplomatic immunity - mr.Ratzinger isn't subject to German laws.

2. Mr Ratzinger, as a citizen of Germany, is subject to the laws of that nation

Not quite: Mr.Ratzinger isn't a German citizen anymore (all cardinals lose their citizenship and become citizens of the Vatican).

On the other hand, he should have worn a damn seatbelt...

[Kandorith]

Guilty, I say.

[Caninope]

A GERMAN citizen has filed a complaint against Pope Benedict XVI for not using a seat belt in the Popemobile during his September visit to his homeland. ...
Do you think the Pope should be convicted?

No. Germany recognizes the Vatican as a foreign country, and the Pope as its Head of State - hence, because of diplomatic immunity - mr.Ratzinger isn't subject to German laws.

2. Mr Ratzinger, as a citizen of Germany, is subject to the laws of that nation

Not quite: Mr.Ratzinger isn't a German citizen anymore (all cardinals lose their citizenship and become citizens of the Vatican).

On the other hand, he should have worn a damn seatbelt...

Actually, Herr Ratzinger holds dual citizenship, by a deal worked out between Germany and the Vatican.

[Nightkill the Emperor]

Damn Cani, wear your seatbelt more often.

[The Corparation]

On the other hand, he should have worn a damn seatbelt...

Sealt belts are kind of pointless if you're barley going at walking pace though.

[Astrolinium]

On the other hand, he should have worn a damn seatbelt...

Sealt belts are kind of pointless if you're barley going at walking pace though.

Not if someone else crashes into you.

[Threlizdun]

I support the fine, not because I'm in favor of the laws, but the idea of the Pope forced into the courtroom like that is awesome.

[Beringovia]

This man has standing to enforce German Seat belt laws ???

The German legal system is weird.

I don't think you need standing to make a complaint about someone breaking the law.

In the US criminal justice system, generally only the district attorney (or equivalent authority, depending upon the jurisdiction) has legal authority to initiate criminal proceedings. There are some exceptions, but that is generally how it works.

[Caninope]

Damn Cani, wear your seatbelt more often.

Hey, it might be a little late, but I've caught up with the times! Civil disobedience, fight the man, man!

[Nightkill the Emperor]

Damn Cani, wear your seatbelt more often.

Hey, it might be a little late, but I've caught up with the times! Civil disobedience, fight the man, man!

You are the man.

Sig that out of context and I'll just facepalm and chuckle. Chuckepalm.

[The Corparation]

Sealt belts are kind of pointless if you're barley going at walking pace though.

Not if someone else crashes into you.

Because other cars are totally going to ram the pope mobile when its going down a closed street.