In Your Face: Masks & Mobile, AL, Law

Allen Ritchie • July 2, 2020

Al Personal Injury Attorney Ritchie

 

The legal fight is on. I have to be frank with you. I didn’t expect this outcry over mandatory masks.

I have seen laws come, and I have seen them go. So, don’t be surprised to see the law changed.  However, here is where we stand as of the beginning of July 2020.

You MUST wear a mask in Mobile during July if you are out in public and are over 10 years old. There are some exceptions but very few.

Let me try to give a little legal insight to what is going on. There is an adage among lawyers that says, “If you have the facts on your side, pound the facts ; if you have the law on your side, pound the law ; if you have neither the facts nor the law, pound the table .” I have done all three. The supporters and opponents of this issue are doing the same.

Here are some major legal issues on mandating masks

  • Law is too vague – What is a congested sidewalk (where masks are required)? What is a mask?
  • Unenforceable – What are you going to do — put unmasked wearers in jail? FYI – the new law puts the punishment at a relatively low fine.
  • Government forcing citizens to do something – This has been a problem since paying tariffs to King George III.
  • Let others decide tough questions – this is not a legal issue, but rather how things work. The state pushes decisions to the cities and counties. The local government pushes the decision to business owners. FYI – Costco is requiring masks.

Add to this a few conspiracy theories and threats of potential violence and you have the government/legal system in action.

So you know, I support wearing a mask. Not just because it is the law, but because my Momma told me to do good and help others. The mask is not to protect me … but is to protect others – family, friends, neighbors, and fellow citizens.

Also, I’m told I look better in a mask. I’m just saying.

If you are hurt in a traffic accident or suffer a personal injury, you can talk to us at the Law Firm of Eiland and Ritchie for free. We want to help you get back on your feet. We are working remotely mostly but are always available.

Also, join us on NBC 15 LawCall here in Mobile every Sunday night at 10:30 right after the news. We will take your calls live. We are experimenting with new ways to do the show and still follow the CDC guidelines. You might want to see what we have come up with.

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