Physicist claims victory over traffic ticket with physics paper

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a physicist who reportedly used principles of physics to contest a traffic ticket for failing to stop at a stop sign. Participants explore the implications of using scientific arguments in legal contexts, the validity of the physicist's claims, and the potential for this case to influence future traffic violations.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question the validity of the physicist's argument, suggesting that the judges may have been confused rather than convinced by the physics explanation.
  • Others speculate that referencing this case could set a precedent for contesting moving violations based on scientific reasoning.
  • There are comments suggesting that the claim of defeating the ticket with physics might be an overstatement, particularly regarding the circumstances of the stop.
  • A participant humorously suggests that the judge may have dismissed the ticket simply to avoid further discussion.
  • One participant notes that the psychological aspects of the situation may be more relevant than the physics involved.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of skepticism and intrigue regarding the physicist's approach, indicating that there is no consensus on the validity of the argument or its implications for future traffic violations.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the legal context and the specifics of the physicist's argument remain unclear, as do the mathematical details involved in the case.

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http://autos.yahoo.com/blogs/motora...r-traffic-ticket-physics-paper-151808710.html

A physicist at the University of California San Diego used his knowledge of measuring bodies in motion to show in court why he couldn't be guilty of a ticket for failing to halt at a stop sign. The argument, now a four-page paper delving into the differences between angular and linear motion, supposedly got the physicist out of a $400 ticket. If you want to use this excuse, you'll have to learn a little math -- and some powers of persuasion.
 
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Ha! I imagine the judges were just confused by his explanation and just let him go on that point. But I don't know whether or not he was just bullgarbageting or not. Anybody on this forum want to comment on its validity?
 
Pythagorean said:
Now that it's been ruled on, can't you just reference the case?

This lays the foundation for the end to all moving violations.
 
He couldn't be seen stopping because a car was in the way? Hmmm. Saying he defeated this with physics is at least an overstatement.
 
That's a psychologists area, not a physicists!
 
That is awesome.
 
Judge to physicist: "If I dismiss the ticket, will you shut up?"

Best comment on that site. And it's probably what happened. :biggrin:
 

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