The Right to..

Zones of Privacy Created from.. Freedom of Speech & Association (1st) Freedom from unreasonable Search & Seizure (4th) Remain silent (5th) No Quartering (3rd) Other rights (9th) Basically zones of privacy are areas and places where the courts have found that people should have a reasonable expectation of privacy Examples: The right to be left alone & to make important decisions

When to violate When deciding whether or not to violate someone's right to privacy, the government must make a balancing decision. Is the rights of the person more important than the government interest. Examples: Drug test all candidates, notify youth groups about sex offenders

Privacy at home Can the government prosecute you for things that you do in your bedroom with a consenting adult if you are a consenting adult? Yes! In 1986 the Supreme Court ruled that people could be prosecuted for committing “homosexual acts” in their own homes.

Privacy at School Can the school search your locker without your permission? YES!- They belong to the school Can the school search your belongings without a warrant? YES! As long as they have some reasonable suspicion of wrongdoing The only privacy rights you get is that your parents may inspect your school records. Also, your records can not be released without your parents permission

Privacy Act of 1974 Prevents the government from releasing most information about people, without their consent. Created in response to the FOIA

Roe v. Wade (1973) Right to life vs. right to choose Decision made abortion legal Due to woman’s right to privacy Decision on trimester basis 0-3 months- abortion on demand, no restriction 4-6 months- abortion can be regulated for safety, but not banned altogether 7-9 months- abortion legal only in case where life of the mother is at risk