Being on the blunt edge of technology, I’ve just subscribed to my first podcast. Created by rockstar attorney, David Clark (AKA: Smoove D.), the show celebrates the myriad reasons why the 4th Amendment, um, rocks. Enjoy!
Blog
Washington Times Attacks Flex Your Rights
Our response to the new random search program on public transportation in DC is continuing to generate media hits, including a negative reaction to our work in The Washington Times.
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Video: Flex Your Rights Protests Random Searches in D.C.
On Wednesday, Flex Your Rights brought together numerous allies, volunteers and friends to protest random searches on public transportation in the Nation’s Capital. The effort was aimed at voicing opposition to the new search policy, while educating the public about the 4th Amendment right to refuse police searches.
The event generated considerable media attention, including the Washington Post, the Washington CityPaper, and local ABC and NBC affiliates:
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The Citizen’s Guide to Refusing DC Metro Searches
In response to the random search program announced yesterday by the Metro Transit Police, we’ve prepared this handy guide to protecting your rights when using public transportation in the Washington, D.C. area. We’ll also be organizing some volunteers to help distribute flyers about the program at various Metro stations. Please contact us if you’re interested in helping out.
Subway Searches to Begin in Washington, D.C.
Alas, the looming specter of subway searches has finally descended on our nation’s capital. We’ve long assumed it was just a matter of time, but as time came and went, it seemed the tragic fad of frivolous subway searches would elude us. Unfortunately, we were wrong.
Refusing a Search Doesn’t Mean You’re Guilty
People who’ve had bad experiences with police have sometimes responded negatively to our materials, arguing that police will simply take things to the next level if you refuse a search. Here’s an interesting example from Florida, in which police were forced to drop the charges after wrongfully arresting a suspect who refused a search:
Happy Constitution Day!
Constitution Day is an opportunity to celebrate the fundamental rights and freedoms we enjoy as Americans. But for many, it also provides an occasion to take note of all the ways in which the promise of liberty handed down by our forefathers has been broken time and again as our criminal justice system grows sufficiently enormous to terrify even the best-behaved among us.
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Marijuana: It’s Still Illegal
Rachel Hoffman: Another Reason to Know Your Rights
ABC’s 20/20 covers the tragic death of 23-year-old Florida girl, Rachel Hoffman. Caught with what the Tallahassee police chief described as “about a baggie” of marijuana, she was tricked/blackmailed/threatened into becoming a police informant.
The chief blames Rachel for her death, repeatedly calling her a drug criminal. But it is clear that he is a scoundrel defending incompetent, callous officers who sent a sheep into a lions’ den.
Unfair Laws: Another Reason to Know Your Rights
This story from New Orleans shows how great the stakes can be during even the most routine encounter with police. Suppose a friend carelessly leaves a little pot in your car…