NYPD Bag Searches Ruled Constitutional

(New York) U.S. District Judge Richard Berman ruled that the New York Police Department may randomly search travelers' bags on the subway to deter terrorist attacks. Berman said it was an effective and appropriate method to fight terrorism with minimal intrusiveness on personal privacy.

From Reuters.com:

"The risk to public safety of a terrorist bombing of New York City's subway system is substantial and real," Berman wrote in his opinion.

"The need for implementing counter-terrorism measures is indisputable, pressing, ongoing and evolving."

The New York Civil Liberties Union had sued to stop the NYPD's search and seizure policy.

From 7Online.com:

Donna Lieberman, NY Civil Liberties Union: "They should not be wasting their time and infringing on our privacy to go after needles in the haystack based on absolutely no suspicion whatsoever."

During the proceedings, leftist protesters gathered outside to stink up the neighborhood and get on television.

John Smith, Protestor: "It's nonsense to say that if I've got nothing to hide, I've got nothing to fear from the searches. The people must have the power to hide information from the government. Information is power!"

I don't see any reason to be suspicious of protester John Smith other than the fact that he said he's hiding something.

With Berman's ruling, the NYCLU will appeal the case to the New York Supreme Court as previously promised.

Companion post at Diggers Realm.