Police Searches Of Bags In Subway Is Constitutional

[im10ashus]

POSTED: 3:25 pm EST December 2, 2005
UPDATED: 4:18 pm EST December 2, 2005

NEW YORK -- Random police searches of the bags of riders in the nation's largest subway system to deter terrorism do not violate the Constitution and are a minimal intrusion of privacy, a federal judge ruled Friday.

U.S. District Judge Richard M. Berman said in a 41-page ruling that the government's interest in preventing a terrorist bombing of the subway system is vitally important.

"The risk of a terrorist bombing of New York City's subway system is real and substantial," Berman said.

The Manhattan ruling came hours after Berman heard closing arguments in a lawsuit brought by the New York Civil Liberties Union on behalf of several subway riders.

http://www.wnbc.com/traffic/5453653/detail.html

[NorCalDem]

1. The risk of subway bombing IS "real and substantial"

but do they really think random bag searches (motivated by racial profiling) is going to help? I don't think it will, but they're doing a good job of curbing civil liberties, dontcha think? :D

[im10ashus]

6. This is what's happening in America.

I know there are those that think this is a good idea, but I am not one of them. I don't see how this will prevent any terrorist from carrying through with their plans.

[realisticphish]

2. there is no "minimal" invasion of privacy

it is, or it isn't.

[MadHound]

3. Lovely, he is a Clinton appointee

And people wonder why there is that perception of little difference between the 'Pugs and Dems. Case in point, you couldn't have a judge who dishonored the Constitution if even Bushco had appointed one, at least in this case.

[Kagemusha]

4. It's hard to expect a mere judge to decide if this will help

or if it's just for show.

I mean, that may be what his job is here but, the position he's placed in, unless he's to decide from the start the government's acting in bad faith with no proof of such, is a difficult one.

I think he may be proven wrong with time... and may be overturned nonetheless.

[Karenina]

5. Welcome to the *police state

formerly known as America...

[Benhurst]

7. If you live in a police state where your house can be searched,

you shouldn't be to shocked if your bags are searched in a subway.