As I always say there are two sets of rules; one that applies to the rule makers and another that applies to us mere peasants. Another way of putting this is when you give a group a monopoly on the making and enforcing of laws they will be sure to exempt themselves from said laws:
SAINT PAUL, Minn. — State lawmakers are subject to the the laws they make, with one surprising exception. They can’t be arrested for a misdemeanor during the session.
“Every time we talk to legislators about this they pull out their card and tell us, ‘Oh, you’re talking about this card’?” Jayne Jones, a Concordia University adjunct professor, told KARE.
The card, issued to all 201 legislators, and signed by the Secretary of State, certifies that the lawmaker carrying it is entitled to privileges stated on the back of the card. The back quotes Article IV, Section 10 of the Minnesota Constitution.
“PRIVILEGE FROM ARREST. The members of each house in all cases except treason, felony and breach of the peace, shall be privileged from arrest during the session of their respective houses and in going to or returning from the same.”
Legislators in Minnesota have given themselves immunity from law for the length of their session. If a “representative” is drunk off his ass, gets in his car, and drives home he’s has immunity. Such exemptions require participation by two entities, the legislators that make the rules and the officers who enforce the rules. In the case of a drunk legislator driving home it’s in the police’s best interest to be an obedient dog of the state instead of keeping people safe since arresting a legislator during his or her session will lead to termination of the office.
I guess it’s easier to make laws when you’re basically immune to them.