This week we’re going to review the Fourth Amendment and how it applies to modern technology. This topic should incorporate your Criminal Law and Constitutional Law classes you’ve taken as part of your studies. As a review, remember that the Fourth Amendment only protects against searches and seizures conducted by the government or pursuant to government direction, and it applies only if a person has a legitimate expectation of privacy in the place or thing being searched. I posted a quick review outline within the lesson for a refresher. So, with the advancements in modern technology available to law enforcement, the question then becomes where do we draw the line where the government’s use of this technology violates the Fourth Amendment?
Can the police seize your phone without a warrant and flip through it?
Can a police department fly a drone directly over your back yard to see if you’re growing illegal drugs?
I posted some great articles in the lesson to help guide you along… Please compose a 4 to 6 page paper on this topic. Again, like most of our assignments, this is very open-ended, and you select anything specific within the topic to research. Remember you shouldn’t just be answering the questions above, but you should do some research on the topic and provide some meaningful content. You can collect information in any way you wish, just be sure it is reliable information. In other words, use research articles, papers, studies, etc from sources you are familiar with and are trustworthy.
Must be typed using 12 point font in Times New Roman – double spaced with normal margins
Include a works cited page/bibliography
Must include a minimum of three sources
Papers will be checked for plagiarism.
Does NOT have to follow ABA or other standardized format.