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October 18, 2017

Minnesota Judge to Allow "Necessity Defense" at Trial of Climate Activists
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And in northern Minnesota, a district court judge in Hubbard County has
ruled that he will allow activists to present a so-called necessity
defense when they go to trial on charges for turning off valves to an
oil pipeline in a direct action protest last year. The activists, who
say their decision to break the law was necessitated by the clear and
present danger posed by global warming, will be allowed to call expert
witnesses on climate change. Among those who may be called are former
top NASA climate scientist James Hansen and 350.org founder Bill Mc
Kibben, who told the website Common Dreams, "The whole planet will be
inside a single courtroom the day this trial begins. It's a rare chance
to explain precisely why we need to act, and act now."


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