Opinion

The judge is a ass

A judge’s bizarre decision declaring unconstitutional the actions of the NYPD during the 2004 Republican National Convention needs to be tossed right away.

On Monday, federal Judge Richard Sullivan declared that cops lacked probable cause when arresting hundreds of protesters — because they lacked knowledge of whether specific individuals broke the law.

“An individual’s participation in a lawbreaking group may, in appropriate circumstances, be strong circumstantial evidence of that individual’s own illegal conduct,” Sullivan wrote.

“But, no matter the circumstances,” he added, “an arresting officer must believe that every individual arrested personally violated the law. The Fourth Amendment does not recognize guilt by association.”

This places an absurd burden on cops operating in a mob-like environment.

Even more troubling than what’s in Sullivan’s decision is what’s missing — context.

Eight years later, it’s quite easy to forget that the GOP convention was the first truly major event to be held in New York following the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

The Republicans gathered to renominate George W. Bush — a man who’d declared war on al Qaeda and terror at large.

In the minds of city leaders — and the NYPD in particular — the symbolic target on the city’s back couldn’t have been larger.

And the end result of their focus?

A peaceful convention.

No terrorist actions. No delegates, protesters or residents seriously hurt.

That due diligence had long-term effects.

New York proved to the world that it could handle big events and ensure the safety of visitors and residents alike.

As much as anything, New York’s handling of the 2004 GOP convention showed a city well on the road to recovery.

Now — with eight years of hindsight — a judge claims that cops protecting a potential terrorist target shouldn’t be given the benefit of the doubt when dealing with a law-breaking near-mob?

That’s absurd.

This decision must be appealed — and overturned — right away.