The Fourth Amendment and Airports

The Fourth Amendment is specifically designed to ensure that searches and seizures of property are not conducted arbitrarily. The impact of the Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution on security restraints at commercial airports is one that calls into question the limits of authority of both the federal government through the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and state and local law enforcement officials who assist in overseeing security at these airports. The screening of passengers and property at passenger checkpoints at U.S. commercial airports is the responsibility of TSA, with the airport operator assisting as necessary. As responsibility shifts from TSA to the local airport operator and law enforcement, there is potential for misunderstandings. This legal digest discusses the Fourth Amendment generally as it pertains to its application to people, houses, papers, and effects. The digest focuses on the application at airports and respective court decisions. It specifically discusses expectations of privacy at airports, airport administrative inspection actions, and law enforcement actions. This digest will assist airport operators by providing the background and application of the Fourth Amendment as they review their procedures with their attorneys.

• Record URL:
  http://www.trb.org/Main/Blurbs/174240.aspx
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://www.trb.org/Main/Blurbs/174240.aspx
• Authors:
  • Howick, Jodi L
• Publication Date: 2016-4

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: References;
• Pagination: 45p
• Serial:
  • ACRP Legal Research Digest
  • Issue Number: 27
  • Publisher: Transportation Research Board
• Publication flags:

  Open Access (libre)

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Constitutional law; Inspection; Law enforcement; Privacy; Security; Security checkpoints
• Subject Areas: Aviation; Law; Security and Emergencies;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01598978
• Record Type: Publication
• ISBN: 9780309375078
• Report/Paper Numbers: ACRP Project 11-01, Task 05-03
• Files: TRIS, TRB, ATRI
• Created Date: May 11 2016 3:26PM