Expert: Michael Troy - 1/31/2008

Question
My questions is as follows: My question involves privileges and freedoms as they apply via the First Amendment. If a Public Official, in this case a Tax Collector, denies a private citizen the right to pay motor vehicle taxes (state of Connecticut)because the Public Official has previously  mishandled a previous tax bill payment paid by the citizen and thereby believes the motor vehicle tax is still due, when it was paid. What privilege and or freedom, under the first amendment (applicabe under the due process clause at the state level) is the citizen being denied when he is blocked toward (re)registration of his motor vehicle due to a fraudulent demand from the Public Official (tax collector)who pocketed the money. And, why? I recognize how confusing this may be. Thanks in advance for your incite.

Answer
Hi Kerry,

I'm sorry but I don't see a First Amendment issue here.  The first Amedment protects against free speech an freedom of relision issues.  A state official that steals money or refuses to do their duty on behalf of a tax payer certainly raises legal issues, but I don't really see a First Amendment issue.

- Mike