Privacy Wins

The Supreme Court says…

In its second major ruling of the day, the Supreme Court has decided that, unless under certain extreme circumstances, law enforcement may not search cell phones without a warrant. The ruling, written by Chief Justice John Roberts, was reached unanimously by the court, and brings a resolution to a long-standing civil liberties debate with regard to digital privacy.

The landmark decision’s summary is fairly clear on the issue: “The police generally may not, without a warrant, search digital information on a cell phone seized from an individual who has been arrested.” While the Court does allow for warrantless searches in certain “exigent circumstances” like kidnappings and bomb threats, those are limited and does not apply searches after arrests. It doesn’t mince words in its kicker, though, stating simply: “Get a warrant.”

Of course, the police could just ask the NSA what’s on your phone.

By: Tengrain

Fully caffeinated with twice the sugar, unabashedly liberal. Award-winning Americans United blogger, blogs at Mock Paper Scissors, and sometimes at Crooks and Liars.

You can follow @Tengrain on Twitter, or you might see him enjoying coffee somewhere in Seattle at any given moment of the day.