More Essential than Ever: The Fourth Amendment in the Twenty First Century

by Stephen J. Schulhofer

When the states ratified the Bill of Rights in the eighteenth century, the Fourth Amendment seemed straightforward. It requires that government respect the right of citizens to be "secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures." Of course, "papers and effects" are now digital and thus more vulnerable to government spying. But the biggest threat may be our own weakening resolve to preserve our privacy.

In this potent new volume in Oxford's Inalienable Rights series, legal expert Stephen J. Schulhofer argues that the Fourth Amendment remains, as the title says, more essential than ever. From data-mining to airport body scans, drug testing and aggressive police patrolling on the streets, privacy is under assault as never before--and we're simply getting used to it. But the trend is threatening the pillars of democracy itself, Schulhofer maintains. "Government surveillance may not worry the average citizen who reads best-selling books, practices a widely accepted religion, and adheres to middle-of-the-road political views," he writes. But surveillance weighs on minorities, dissenters, and unorthodox thinkers, "chilling their freedom to read what they choose, to say what they think, and to associate with others who are like-minded." All of us are affected, he adds. "When unrestricted search and surveillance powers chill speech and religion, inhibit gossip and dampen creativity, they
undermine politics and impoverish social life for everyone." Schulhofer offers a rich account of the history and nuances of Fourth Amendment protections, as he examines such issues as street stops, racial profiling, electronic surveillance, data aggregation, and the demands of national security. The Fourth Amendment, he reminds us, explicitly authorizes invasions of privacy--but it requires justification and accountability, requirements that reconcile public safety with liberty.

Combining a detailed knowledge of specific cases with a deep grasp of Constitutional law, More Essential than Ever offers a sophisticated and thoughtful perspective on this important debate.

Genres: Law, Nonfiction

216 pages, Hardcover

First published June 13, 2012

Reviews

[Keith B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Started this one not quite knowing what I was getting into.... and I liked it! Quite the dissertation and examination of he Fourth Amendment. Great historical review that leads to some thought provoking questions and revelations.

Side Note: Listening to this audiobook was almost meditative. Since I wasn't vested in the need to memorize and FULLY understand what I was listening to, I was free to listen and contemplate the ideas and implications of the amendment itself or the cases outlined and their impact on the present and to ponder the future. I am currently reading George W Bush's book Decision Points and am finding many parallels and insights into the amendment, a President's need to balance security over privacy and their need to respect the Constitution and the political process.

[Emily Rader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Better the second time around.