State v. Neufeld

I respectfully dissent from the majority’s finding that Representative Neufeld’s alleged criminal threats of blackmail to Representatives Alldritt and McKechnie are protected by Article 2, § 22 of the Kansas Constitution (Speech or Debate Clause) and cannot be introduced as evidence in the criminal blackmail prosecution against Neufeld.

In reaching its conclusion, the majority acknowledges Neufeld’s statement that legislators are frequently pressured to put aside their personal will and vote in a certain way on a bill. The majority notes Neufeld’s declaration that these pressures to vote a…