The Fourth Amendment : Search & Seizure

Source :

http://www.networkworld.com/community/blog/full-body-x-ray-scanners-driving-down-street-



Constitutional Connection:

Amendment 4: 'The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.'

Analysis of the Connection:

In the article, " Full-Body X-Ray Scanners Driving Down A Street Near You?," The author discusses the controversy in officials being able to scan your body without you even being aware. It is said to be intrusive and violates the fourth amendment law. It was first sold to the U.S military and then to law enforcement for the purposes of searching nearby vehicles. The use of this technology constitutes a search, and under the Fourth Amendment, a search can only be carried out with a warrant. There are exceptions to that, but none of them would apply if this technology is being used on public streets.

I believe the full body scanners should be used for what they were originally for: the military and to search vehicles. Bringing the scanners onto the streets would be a violation of privacy and a waste of money. There is always someone misusing the technology for negative purposes. It would be less controversial if the American Science & Engineering would create a skeletal scanner instead of just subtracting the clothes.