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I think it's questionable to have an analysis or perspective of the law that principally considers the letter of the law. What people can or can't do follows another kind of law, a subtle law, a subtle calculus.

That's the real law everywhere in the world. It's the law in China and it's the law in the US.

Can you refuse to show your ID to the cops? Can you say to the officer, "Am I being detained?" Don't just regard what the letter of some document says. Regard the subtle law with the subtle calculus.




Can you refuse to show your ID to the cops?

Probably no (in practice), if you're black or Latino or lower class white. Or anybody, in a drug-dealing neighborhood.


  Can you refuse to show your ID to the cops?
Outside of cause supported by reasonable suspicion OR driving a vehicle, yes (under case law). But your average beat cop may not know that (or care).

  "Am I being detained?" 
To avoid certain ambiguities, instead ask, "am I free to go?"




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