Really? Really? Any arrest (according to the Conservative 4+1 on the Supreme Court) can lead to a strip search? No need for justifiable concern, probable cause, reason to think they may be hiding a file that they'll slip to a compatriot inside to let him cut through the bars of the cell and escape? Just … strip search as SOP?
Yup. SCOTUS-approved.
'According to opinions in the lower courts, people may be strip-searched after arrests for violating a leash law, driving without a license and failing to pay child support. Citing examples from briefs submitted to the Supreme Court, Justice Breyer wrote that people have been subjected to “the humiliation of a visual strip-search” after being arrested for driving with a noisy muffler, failing to use a turn signal and riding a bicycle without an audible bell. A nun was strip-searched, he wrote, after an arrest for trespassing during an antiwar demonstration. So were victims of sexual assaults and women who were menstruating.'
But at least they had good, solid, evidence-driven thinking behind their decision.
'Justice Kennedy responded that “people detained for minor offenses can turn out to be the most devious and dangerous criminals.” He noted that Timothy McVeigh, later put to death for his role in the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing, was first arrested for driving without a license plate. “One of the terrorists involved in the Sept. 11 attacks was stopped and ticketed for speeding just two days before hijacking Flight 93,” Justice Kennedy added.'
Yes, and surely a strip search would have avoided both the OKC bombing and 911!
The particular case involved a man arrested after his wife was pulled over for speeding, based on incorrect info that he had unpaid fines. Yes, truly a terrorist in the making!
So, thanks, Conservative 4+1, for lumping all arrestees, regardless of the charges, in as being suspected mass murderers and "devious and dangerous criminals." Perhaps we should just tase them all into submission, too, just to be on the safe side. #ddtb
Embedded Link
Justices Approve Strip-Searches for Any Offense
The court ruled that people arrested for any offense, however minor, may be forced to strip before being jailed even if there is no suspicion of contraband.