Pubdate: Sun, 29 Apr 2001 Source: St. Louis Post-Dispatch (MO) Copyright: 2001 St. Louis Post-Dispatch Contact: http://home.post-dispatch.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/418 Author: Barb Bartels SEARCH AND SEIZURE I agree with the principles behind the Post-Dispatch's report and evaluation of the recent Supreme Court ruling against Gail Atwater of Texas. Without a doubt, the police officer overstepped his authority by his arbitrary handling of the situation. A calmer, more objective approach would still have resulted in detainment for lack of proper identification. The real issue is Fourth Amendment rights. With no evidence to suggest that Atwater was carrying illegal drugs or firearms, the search of her vehicle was, in my opinion, an abuse of authority condoned by the Supreme Court. Will this ruling encourage law enforcement to further expand vehicle searches for minor offenses? I believe it will. I also believe that one of our basic rights has been severely restricted because the Supreme Court's duty to uphold and preserve the Constitution of the United States was inexorably compromised by this decision. Barb Bartels St. Charles - --- MAP posted-by: Beth