Supreme Court decisions, GPS tracking & Cameras on School Buses
Click Here To Listen: Paul Samakow on 01-25-12
Andy and Paul talked about two Supreme Court decisions. The first involved the right to privacy vs. the right to be safe theme, where the police put a GPS tracking device on a suspected drug dealer’s car. First convicted, the dealer claimed his 4th Amendment right to privacy was violated. The Supreme Court eventually got the case and agreed, indicating that police needed a Warrant before placing such a device intended for “extended” use. Thus the question becomes, what is extended use?
Next, Andy asked Paul about another Supreme Court recent decision, where the Justices ruled that a binding arbitration provision in a consumer credit card contract was legal. Here, poor consumers who were not told about onerous expense provisions were denied of their right to file a lawsuit against the credit card companies because of a provision in the contract requiring binding arbitration. Guess who picks the arbitrator?
Finally, Andy asked Paul about the movement in Montgomery County, Maryland to fine drivers who illegally pass school buses when the bus has it lights and STOP sign arm displayed. Debate is going on in the county now about the amount of this potential fine, specifically whether the fine should be $100 or $250. Paul offered that it should be $1500.
Paul’s legal tip for the day involved picking the “right” doctor if you are involved in an auto accident. If the doctor works for insurance companies doing what they call “Independent Medical Exams,” stay away!
Labels: freedom vs. security, in the courtroom, privacy, radio show
