Pubdate: Sat, 21 Jun 2003
Source: Tennessean, The (TN)
Copyright: 2003 The Tennessean
Contact:  http://www.tennessean.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/447
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v03/n908/a03.html
Author: Ed Forbes
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)

CONCERT-GOERS WERE ILLEGALLY SEARCHED

To the Editor:

Stacey Harris' letter, "Judge shouldn't have dismissed charges," June 17, 
chastises Warren County Judge Larry Ross for dismissing speeding and 
marijuana possession charges for 24 defendants. The charges were dropped as 
law enforcement officers used selective enforcement by stopping speeding 
drivers with out-of-state license plates and virtually demanding a vehicle 
search after the drivers acknowledged they were heading for the concert at 
Bonnaroo.

A textbook lawyer knows such tactics are unacceptable and blatantly violate 
constitutional rights. Consequently, Judge Ross ruled correctly and the 
charges were rightly thrown out of court as both drivers and police 
officers must follow the law. We cannot accept illegal search and seizure 
tactics even if contraband is surrendered or discovered.

To do so would only encourage other police agencies to do likewise.

Ed Forbes, Hendersonville, 37075
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