SOSC 1350 - Week 3 - Part 1

Summary

This video script delves into the Rodney Darren Small (RDS) case, focusing on the material facts and the legal proceedings that followed. It outlines the undisputed facts of the incident on October 17, 1993, where Small, a black teenager, was arrested by Constable Donald Steinberg, a white police officer, after trying to communicate with his cousin who was being arrested. The dispute centers on whether physical contact occurred before the arrest, with Small denying it and Steinberg asserting it did. The video discusses the role of the judge as the Trier of facts, tasked with determining the most reasonable set of facts to believe, which is crucial for the case's outcome.

Takeaways

• 📚 The script discusses the 'RDS case,' which involves Rodney Darren Small (RDS), a black teenager, and Constable Donald Steinberg, a white police officer.
• 🗓️ The incident in question occurred on October 17th, 1993, in Halifax, where Small witnessed his cousin being arrested by Steinberg.
• 👮‍♂️ Constable Steinberg is described as a six-foot, heavy-set, and athletic white officer, in contrast to Small, who is described as a skinny black teenager.
• 🤝 There was an exchange of words between Small and the officer, with Small attempting to communicate with his cousin and Steinberg telling him to mind his own business.
• 🚔 The officer eventually arrested Small, placing him in a chokehold alongside his cousin, who was also in a chokehold.
• 🤷‍♂️ The facts that were not disputed include the interaction between Small and his cousin, and the subsequent arrest by Steinberg.
• 🚨 The disputed facts revolve around whether there was physical contact between Small and Steinberg prior to the chokehold, with Small claiming there was none, and Steinberg asserting there was.
• 🏛️ The case proceeded to court, where the judge had to determine the most reasonable set of facts to believe, given the disputed nature of the incident.
• 📖 The script emphasizes the importance of material facts in legal cases, which are the relevant facts that occurred before a case reaches the court.
• 👨‍⚖️ The judge's role is highlighted as the 'Trier of facts,' tasked with deciding which set of facts to accept and base the court's decision upon.

Q & A

What is the RDS case, and why is it significant?

The RDS case refers to the legal proceedings involving Rodney Darren Small, a black teenager from Halifax, Canada, who was arrested by a white police officer, Constable Donald Steinberg. The case is significant because it dealt with issues of race, police conduct, and the interpretation of facts in court.

What are 'material facts' in a court case?

'Material facts' refer to the relevant facts that occurred before a case reaches court. They are the facts that the court will use to make a decision. Some facts may be undisputed, while others can be contested by the parties involved.

What were the undisputed facts in the RDS case?

The undisputed facts were that Rodney Darren Small, a black teenager, saw his cousin being arrested by Constable Donald Steinberg in Halifax on October 17, 1993. Small tried to communicate with his cousin during the arrest, and Steinberg repeatedly told him to mind his own business. When Small persisted, Steinberg put him in a chokehold and arrested him.

What were the disputed facts in the RDS case?

Rodney Small claimed that no physical contact occurred between him and Constable Steinberg before he was arrested. In contrast, Steinberg claimed that Small’s bike hit him in the leg and that Small pushed him with his hands and shoulders before the arrest.

Why were the physical descriptions of Rodney Small and Constable Steinberg relevant to the case?

The physical descriptions were relevant because there was a clear size and strength disparity between Rodney Small, a skinny black teenager, and Constable Steinberg, a heavy-set, athletic white officer. This asymmetry contributed to the nature of the arrest and the use of force.

What charges were brought against Rodney Darren Small?

Rodney Darren Small was charged with assaulting a police officer, assaulting a police officer with intent to prevent the lawful arrest of another person, and obstruction of a police officer. These charges were based on Constable Steinberg's account of the incident.

What role does the judge play in determining the outcome of a court case?

In a court case, the judge acts as the 'Trier of facts' and 'Trier of law,' meaning they must determine which set of facts is most credible and relevant for the court to base its decision on. The judge must decide whether to accept disputed facts and how they influence the legal outcome.

Why was Rodney Darren Small's name anonymized during the trial?

Rodney Darren Small’s name was anonymized during the trial because he was a minor at the time of the incident. The use of initials, like 'RDS,' is a common practice in legal cases to protect the privacy of minors or victims in sensitive cases.

How did Rodney Darren Small’s identity become public?

Rodney Darren Small's identity became public because he later chose to speak openly about his involvement in the case. His name did not leak during the trial or through media; he disclosed it himself after the case had concluded.

What was the key point of disagreement between the parties involved in the RDS case?

The key point of disagreement was whether physical contact occurred between Rodney Darren Small and Constable Steinberg before the arrest. Small claimed no physical contact was made, while Steinberg asserted that Small’s bike hit him and that Small pushed him before being arrested.