(no subject)

[mamculuna]

From the NY Times:

"The Supreme Court yesterday substantially diminished Americans' right to privacy in their own homes. The rule that police officers must "knock and announce" themselves before entering a private home is a venerable one, and a well-established part of Fourth Amendment law. But President Bush's two recent Supreme Court appointments have now provided the votes for a 5-4 decision eviscerating this rule.

This decision should offend anyone, liberal or conservative, who worries about the privacy rights of ordinary Americans."

Comments

[cactuswatcher.livejournal.com]

I think it ought to offend and aggravate anyone who isn't a lawyer, since part of the decision was that anyone whose home was entered under such circumstances might have the right to sue the police. Just a stupid do-anything-you-please-then-fight-it-out-in-court idea of justice.

[mamculuna.livejournal.com]

Yeah, and not everyone can sue. Civil liberties for sale, anyone?

[dlgood.livejournal.com]

And the other aspect of this is that a lot of americans own guns. Part of the reason the Knock rule existed is that it was better to warn the homeowner than let them think it was a break-in. (Particularly as the houses these police are likely to enter are more likely to have guns in them...)

Then end result being, in addition to an erosion of rights, probably an uptick in shootouts and cops getting killed. Which will be especially great if the cops get the wrong address.

[mamculuna.livejournal.com]

Yep--a great recipe for various disasters.

[mummm.livejournal.com]

I saw that and was horrified.

But now remember Bush's way of thinking. "The Constitution is only a piece of paper!"

The man should have been impeached long ago.

[mamculuna.livejournal.com]

From your comment to God's ears!

[anomster.livejournal.com]

Think we could get him on perjury? Two counts: one for each time he swore to "preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States."