Local Government Law

The City Attorney served (in those days) simultaneously as Judge of the Recorder's Court. On convening that court one Monday morning, he was shocked to see one of the community's most prominent citizens before him, charged with "drunk and disorderly." I inquired as to the type of plea he wished to enter. Evidently having heard of "nolo contendere" but not remembering the exact nature or pronunciation of the plea, the citizen responded: "I would like to plead low profile." The "law" of local government, both decisional and statutory, frequently fosters a similar sentiment.