I have consulted a lawyer that I am friends with, and though this is not his
style of law (he handles divorces, house closings, etc) he WAS able to tell
me that indeed, the law CAN prosecute someone if they do not assist in a
matter that does not concern them.
 
It seems that it falls under something called 'Feduciary Rights' (don't ask
me what that is, I barely followed the descriptions).  By law, if a person
sees something illegal going on (and in CA-CA land's case, ferret owning is
illegal and therefore falls under this c*** [edited that so BIG wouldn't
have to] ) then that person is LEGALLY OBLIGATED to report it, and if
possible, ACT TO RECTIFY THE SITUATION!
 
The upshot of all that legal gobbledygook is that CA-CA authorities can
prosecute every member of FA on this matter if they got a burr under their
tail about it.  There may be minor variations in this 'Feduciary Rights'
mumbo-jumbo, but my lawyer friend does not seem to think that the
differences will be enough to protect anyone associated with it.  For
technically, even though they have the right to assembly as guaranteed in
the Constitution, since they were gathering to support eachother in an
illegal activity, then CA-CA land could REALLY apply some thumb-screws and
quite literally sentence these people to a short (if anyone can consider ANY
length of time in prison for being owned by fuzzies short.... I sure as h***
can't!) prison term of one to four years.  Of course, THAT would be
moderately easy to overturn on appeal, but I guarantee that unless several
members of FA are multi-billionaires, CA-CA land can muster more than enough
resourses to drown them all.
 
I suppose that is what the game is.... I am sorry I don't have the FML in
front of me right now, so I cannot directly address anyone... but it seems
to me that this....person.... is playing the lawsuit game as PawPaw
indicated.  Make it so that the individual being sued will spend more money
to defend themselves than if they were to accept the settlement, then odds
are they will cut their losses and settle.
 
I apologize if any of this has been said, but my internet connection at home
is down in such a way as that I cannot get at my mail, even though it is
indeed still there.  I am writing this from work, but don't have access
still to my private account.
 
On that note, I wish all involved in the FA the best of luck, and please let
me know if I can be of any help.  As I mentioned, my lawyer friend does not
know that branch of law, but I am sure I can ask him a few questions and get
some decent replies that may be of use to you.
 
Again, good luck.  With CA-CA on your tail..... life is going to be very
unpleasant soon.  PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF I CAN HELP!
 
    Bryan Hall
[Posted in FML issue 1719]