Granick argued it is illegal for police to seize property without issuing citations or arrests. .... "If we were to find out that the police were doing something else with the laptops, like searching through them or copying the data, we would definitely go to court," she said.
Now, I don't live in the US and my grip on US search and seizure laws is a little fuzzy, but isn't the police seizing property flatly against the law unless it's in the course of a criminal investigation? If so, why would an EFF lawyer limit herself to talking about the privacy implications?
Cops get away with this stuff day in and day out. It's just when it happens to white laptop owners that it gets press. Don't get me wrong. this is f'ed up. It's just not that surprising, and the EFF specializes in privacy implications and probably doesn't need or have time to discuss the entire thing, cause it's an old story. Also, if they are able to find out that the police are doing something more, than they might actually be able to make a case that would stand, but discovery in these cases is really, really difficult. So, she is being properly cautious
I wish you quitting the USA (or just SF?) would have such a big impact as your comments on Palm Pre development. I hear Iceland is cheap nowadays, and have an awesome night life.
House parties now? How big are these parties that they are getting busted? Are their neighbours just mad about not getting invited? This sounds more ridiculous the more I hear about it.
Un-fucking believable.
Yeah, that was the quote that sent chills down my spine.
I guess the cops will have a few lessons in return. I hope the court doesn't look kindly upon this kind of action by so called officers of the law.
Something jwz quoted gives me pause:
Now, I don't live in the US and my grip on US search and seizure laws is a little fuzzy, but isn't the police seizing property flatly against the law unless it's in the course of a criminal investigation? If so, why would an EFF lawyer limit herself to talking about the privacy implications?
Limited resources?
Yes, absolutely limited resources.
Cops get away with this stuff day in and day out. It's just when it happens to white laptop owners that it gets press. Don't get me wrong. this is f'ed up. It's just not that surprising, and the EFF specializes in privacy implications and probably doesn't need or have time to discuss the entire thing, cause it's an old story. Also, if they are able to find out that the police are doing something more, than they might actually be able to make a case that would stand, but discovery in these cases is really, really difficult. So, she is being properly cautious
This is just nuts. Remember how big a deal it was last year when DHS got approval to seize laptops without suspicion at the border? Do the SFPD get the same right because they're in the Constitution-free zone?
I wish you quitting the USA (or just SF?) would have such a big impact as your comments on Palm Pre development. I hear Iceland is cheap nowadays, and have an awesome night life.
Well, all I can say, I'm glad I don't live there.
House parties now? How big are these parties that they are getting busted? Are their neighbours just mad about not getting invited? This sounds more ridiculous the more I hear about it.
The theme song to "footloose" was running through my head while I read this article