if i am to believe what i see from american content on
television, people there are more aware of what the laws give them.
I doubt it. Sadly, most people (the world over) are pretty ignorant. However, at least a couple of the things I mentioned (eg food and water) are not just local/state/national police code, it's actually some kind of UN/human rights guarantee or something (I'd have to re-check the procedure document to cite the source) - maybe part of the Geneva convention, something, I forget exactly.
i remember watching cases on shows like the practice where proven cases of illegal activity was let go because cops did not follow the proper procedure. like not having the right to search a suspect's premise even though you found drugs in the house. something on that line.
not sure if it also happens in reality.
Perfect example of it happening in a developed country: Kim Dotcom & the raid relating to link-removed. It's basically been determined as unlawful and if things continue the way they have been, the NZ government will be telling the US government to stick their (civil, not criminal, thus not eligible for extradition) case where the sun don't shine. I hope. If they don't, I may very well look at changing my allegiance.
a recent movie told me that if the cops do not read your rights at the time of arrest, they are breaking the law and you get free no matter what you were charged for. something on that line.
pleading fifth is something that is pretty cool too.
The 5th amendment to the US constitution does apply here, except it's not the fifth amendment, it would be called something else - I'd have to check the relevant section of the code(s) - it has to do with self incrimination and your right to consult legal counsel (if necessary - if you've done nothing wrong you shouldn't have anything to worry about anyway).
What is commonly known as the Miranda warning also does apply, however both of these are relevant to *arrest*, which *none* of the people (thus far) have been arrested or charged, simply detained against their will (which is legal only up to a certain time period), but in any case this was done without even basic supplies and without contacting the families along with all the rest of it.