CONSTITUTIONAL LAW - SEARCH AND SEIZURE - A WARRANTLESS SEARCH OF INTERNATIONAL LETTER MAIL AT A PORT OF ENTRY INTO THE UNITED STATES VIOLATES THE FOURTH AMENDMENT

• NCJ Number: 39917
• Journal: George Washington Law Review Volume: 45 Issue: 2 Dated: (JANUARY 1977) Pages: 274-295
• Author(s): K M SPRECHER
• Date Published: 1977
• Length: 22 pages
• Corporate Author: George Washington University
• Publication Format: Article
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

REVIEW OF THE IMPLICATIONS OF THE DC CIRCUIT COURT OF APPEALS DECISION IN US V RAMSEY (1976) WHICH HELD THAT THE BORDER SEARCH EXCEPTION TO THE FOURTH AMENDMENT'S WARRANT REQUIREMENT DOES NOT APPLY TO INTERNATIONAL MAIL.

Abstract

THE LEGAL REASONING AND OPINIONS HANDED DOWN IN THE RAMSEY DECISION ARE REVIEWED AND COMPARED WITH CONTRARY RULINGS REACHED IN OTHER CIRCUITS. THE AUTHOR CONCLUDES THAT THE BALANCING OF GOVERNMENT AND INDIVIDUAL INTERESTS IN RAMSEY IS THE CORRECT DECISION, UPHOLDING FOURTH AMENDMENT GUARANTEES OF PRIVACY AND SECURITY WITHOUT UNDULY BURDENING THE GOVERNMENT....EB