In a recent post I noted how the Mt. Lebanon Police Department is welcoming a technology that expands surveillance of drivers in Mt. Lebanon. According to the officer quoted by the Post-Gazette, "This would give him cause to pull over, impound and search far more vehicles, which could contain contraband. He called it 'another avenue to get into the car.'"
Only a few people commented at the post. Here's a follow-up: Last week the Supreme Court decided Arizona v. Gant, which cuts back police authority to search vehicles of people who are under arrest. The very short takeaway point is that just because the police have a legitimate reason to stop you, the police do not automatically have a legitimate reason to search your car.
If you are interested in more on the Supreme Court ruling, you can go to SCOTUSBlog, which has a link to the opinions, or to the New York Times. The Post-Gazette, normally quite good when reporting on crime and punishment, didn't cover the story.
Pages
▼
Saturday, April 25, 2009
1 comment:
PLEASE NOTE: On Blog-Lebo, we do not publish anonymous comments. You must put your name to your words. Include your full name in the text of your comment (usually at the end), and you’ll be fine. Or post from a Blogger account having a public profile that includes your full name. Either way will work. But if you don’t include your name, or if we have reason to believe the name on your comment isn’t authentic, we will not be able to publish your comment.
Why must I use my full name?
When you post a comment on Blog-Lebo, you are making a public statement. Therefore, we require that you accept responsibility for your words. Just like at a public meeting of the school board or municipal government, when you stand to speak on Blog-Lebo, you must state your full name. That way, everyone will know who is speaking, and you will know that you’re responsible for what you say.
Help me out. The Arizona v. Gant decision as reported on SCOTUSBlog apparently allows that police "..may search the passenger compartment.", but seemingly not the remainder of a vehicle, like the trunk, undercarriage,inside fenders,engine compartment,etc.?
ReplyDelete