The Michigan Supreme Court found sobriety checkpoints to be a violation of the Fourth Amendment. However, in a split decision, the U.S. Supreme Court reversed the Michigan court. Although acknowledging that such roadblocks VIOLATE a fundamental constitutional right, Chief Justice Rehnquist argued that they are necessary. FYI rarely do these checkpoints actually catch drunk drivers. They usually nab unlicensed sober drivers and petty vehicle infractions such as headlights and allow officers to illegal search and seizure of your vehicle. You have the right, even though your rights are already being ignored, to drive away from these checkpoints as long as you obey traffic laws.
Posted on: Mon, 01 Sep 2014 15:18:31 +0000