DURHAM, N.C. — Dozens of Duke University students spent time Tuesday in court after being cited in August for underage drinking.
Durham police and Alcohol Law Enforcement (ALE) officers cited 175 Duke students for underage drinking during the first week of classes after officers raided three parties at houses off-campus in the Trinity Park area.
Let’s see: underage drinkers partying off campus in Durham. Busted. I’ve been there a few times. And I do not mean Durham in this case.
At the same time, (Susan) Wasiolek (assistant VP for Student Affairs at Duke) said the university is concerned about students’ rights.
"What this has created for the students is a real fear that ALE might be lurking around every corner," she said.
Guess what, Susan? They are. That is part of their job. Same for the NC State Police, Durham Police, campus police, Sheriff’s office, heck, even the DMV police. In case you missed the memo, it is illegal to drink in the State of North Carolina if you are under 21.
For many of the students, the punishment was a $200 fine and 50 hours of community service. They must also write a five-page paper about the effects of alcohol on the body.
Might be excessive. I got much less. Heck, we got less for joy riding in a golf cart that wasn’t ours. And sure didn’t have to write a paper. However, da law is da law.
Now, here it comes:
Some students, however, did not plead guilty, believing their constitutional rights were violated. Their attorneys will argue that point in a hearing set for Oct. 27.
Please. Explain how. See, my sources tell me:
§ 18B‑300. Purchase, possession and consumption of malt beverages and unfortified wine.
(a) Generally. – Except as otherwise provided in this Chapter, the purchase, consumption, and possession of malt beverages and unfortified wine by individuals 21 years old and older for their own use is permitted without restriction. (there are no exeptions)
and
§ 18B‑301. Possession and consumption of fortified wine and spirituous liquor.
(a) Possession at Home. – It shall be lawful, without an ABC permit, for any person at least 21 years old to possess for lawful purposes any amount of fortified wine and spirituous liquor at his home or a temporary residence, such as a hotel room.
State law takes precedence over any law passed by any County or Municipality. Ergo, drinking underage, while certainly fun, I will not deny, is illegal. Furthermore, the US Constitution and Laws take precedence over State law, and nowhere can it be found that people under 21 have the Right to drink.
Just another case of 1. people not taking responsibility for their actions, and 2. making up bullshit Rights to cover #1. Progressives in the making.
