The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - DUI checkpoints: another example of how they can be abused

csmsss · July 6, 2013, 11:22 AM

http://www.oyez.org/cases/1980-1989/1989/1989_88_1897

Michigan Dept. of State Police vs. Sitz is controlling in this case. SCOTUS held 6-3 that DUI or sobriety checkpoints are not unconstitutional if conducted within certain very specific guidelines. Whether you agree with this decision or not (I don't), it is the law of the land until SCOTUS determines otherwise.

That said, the fact that a sobriety or DUI checkpoint is presumably constitutional doesn't mean that 4A violations can't and don't occur - and here, in my opinion, that's exactly what does transpire.

There's also, in my opinion, a case to be made for tampering with evidence/obstruction of justice when the officer searching the vehicle tampers with the video camera.

July 6, 2013, 11:22 AM	#23
csmsss Senior Member Join Date: October 24, 2008 Location: Orange, TX Posts: 3,078	http://www.oyez.org/cases/1980-1989/1989/1989_88_1897 Michigan Dept. of State Police vs. Sitz is controlling in this case. SCOTUS held 6-3 that DUI or sobriety checkpoints are not unconstitutional if conducted within certain very specific guidelines. Whether you agree with this decision or not (I don't), it is the law of the land until SCOTUS determines otherwise. That said, the fact that a sobriety or DUI checkpoint is presumably constitutional doesn't mean that 4A violations can't and don't occur - and here, in my opinion, that's exactly what does transpire. There's also, in my opinion, a case to be made for tampering with evidence/obstruction of justice when the officer searching the vehicle tampers with the video camera.