Web posted
Friday, December 28, 2001
Letters
Seeking courthouse search incidents
Rex Curry
attorney at law
Tampa, Fla.
rexy@ij.net
To the editor:
Many people object to the assembly-line searches at some courthouse
entrances. Are prospective jurors objecting because they beleive that there
is no probable cause for the searches, or are they just trying to avoid jury
duty?
I am an attorney doing research on this topic. I am interested
in details about any instances where individuals have refused to be searched
at the entrance to any courthouses. Many courthouses have search procedures
that include metal detectors and baggage X-rays. I am interested in researching
wheth er courthouse searches are treated as consensual encounters and how
courthouses have dealt with refusals. I am particularly interested in refusals
by seated jurors, prospective jurors, subpoenaed witnesses, defendants, lawyers
and anyone whose attendance is compelled.
I am researching whether there have been any of the following:
If seated jurors, prospective jurors, subpoenaed witnesses, defendants and
lawyers have arrived at courthouses at their appointed times and announced
that they would not submit to courthouse searches? If they telephoned (or
wrote letters) ahead of time and announced that they would arrive on schedule
but not submit to the courthouse searches? If any had lawyers file motions
ahead of each scheduled appearance to object to the prospective searches
and to announce that they would arrive on schedule but not submit? If any
"fully informed jury" groups have pamphleted courthouses with information
about refusing to submit to courthouse searches? And when prospective jurors
object to searches, is it because they philosophically oppose the searches
on the grounds of a lack of probable cause, or is it merely used as a way
to avoid jury duty? Anyone who knows of any such incidents please send details.
Readers' Views, The Examiner, P.O. Box 459, Independence, Mo. 64051.
Readers' Views, The Blue Springs Examiner, P.O. Box 1057, Blue Springs, Mo. 64013.
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