New Government Report: Border Searches of Laptop Computer and Other Electronic Devices

Border Searches of Laptop Computer and Other Electronic Devices
by Yule Kim
Paperback, 13 pages, 2010, $10.00
ISBN: 9781437937541

The 4th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution requires government-conducted searches and seizures to be supported by probable cause and a warrant.

Federal courts have recognized that there are many exceptions to these requirements, one of which is the border search exception, which permits government officials to conduct “routine” searches based on no suspicion of wrongdoing.

On the other hand, when warrantless border searches are particularly invasive, and thus “non-routine,” they are permissible only when customs officials have, at a minimum, a “reasonable suspicion” of wrongdoing.

Contents of this report: Border Search Exception; Judicial Developments on Laptop Searches; Federal Policies on Border Laptop Searches; Conclusion; Legislative Proposals.

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