Trial On Random Subway Searches Set To Begin (NY)

[struggle4progress]

Constitutionality At Issue

(AP) NEW YORK The constitutionality of the city's random searches of bags in the subways to deter terrorism will be challenged at a federal trial Monday by civil liberties lawyers who say the searches do nothing to accomplish that goal.

U.S. District Judge Richard M. Berman in Manhattan was scheduled to hear evidence and testimony in the case for two to three days. Afterward, lawyers will present written and oral arguments to the judge before a ruling is made.

At issue is a random search of the subways that was put in place in the nation's largest subway system after deadly bombings by terrorists in London's subway system in July.

The New York Civil Liberties Union, which brought the lawsuit on behalf of several subway riders, said in court papers filed last week that its own survey from Aug. 25 to Sept. 16 of 5,500 subway turnstile entrances found a total of 34 searches underway. <snip>

http://wcbstv.com/topstories/local_story_303124219.html

[madeline_con]

1. I guess since random airport searches are so successful....

this was the logical next step. :sarcasm:

[Mojorabbit]

2. Trial Set to Begin on NYC Subway Searches

http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=1265504
NEW YORK Oct 31, 2005 — To city officials, random bag searches in the subways help keep New Yorkers safe. To civil liberties lawyers, they do nothing to deter terrorism and violate civil rights.

Their disagreement was set to spill over into federal court Monday when U.S. District Judge Richard M. Berman was scheduled to begin hearing evidence and testimony in the case.

At issue are the random searches that were put in place in the nation's largest subway system after deadly terrorist bombings in London's subway system in July.


The New York Civil Liberties Union, which brought the lawsuit on behalf of several subway riders, said in court papers that its own survey of 5,500 subway turnstile entrances from Aug. 25 to Sept. 16 found a total of 34 searches.