1) random drug testing of students and workers
Random drug testing in schools and at places of employment is something that can be annoying, but does help the good of the whole. Although it can be inconvenient, it is necessary to maintain a productive environment. However, for the drug tests to be significantly more effective, the word "random" definitely needs to be enforced. Schools that only test athletes or drivers are ignoring a large part of the school's population that are potential drug users. As of 2002, the court system ruled that random drug testing in schools and at work places is allowed, however some organizations such as the ACLU does not agree with this whatsoever. The constitutional issue appears where these tests are considered an unnecessary invasion of privacy. The other side argues that it is a "reasonably effective means of addressing the school district's legitimate concerns in preventing, deterring and detecting drug use." However, I personally believe that a certain group of students should not be targeted, because it becomes inconsistent, unfair, and accusatory.
2) general rules for police search & seizure in homes and cars
I think that the rules in place for for police search and seizures are reasonable. It's fair to require warrants and probable cause because otherwise the rights of the citizens might be infringed upon. The court system agrees with this and has the exclusionary rule in place so that no illegally obtained evidence is allowed in court. The Bill of Rights states that no illegal search and seizure will be allowed, therefore protecting the citizens while als giving allowance for law enforcement to do what is necessary under the law.
Random drug testing in schools and at places of employment is something that can be annoying, but does help the good of the whole. Although it can be inconvenient, it is necessary to maintain a productive environment. However, for the drug tests to be significantly more effective, the word "random" definitely needs to be enforced. Schools that only test athletes or drivers are ignoring a large part of the school's population that are potential drug users. As of 2002, the court system ruled that random drug testing in schools and at work places is allowed, however some organizations such as the ACLU does not agree with this whatsoever. The constitutional issue appears where these tests are considered an unnecessary invasion of privacy. The other side argues that it is a "reasonably effective means of addressing the school district's legitimate concerns in preventing, deterring and detecting drug use." However, I personally believe that a certain group of students should not be targeted, because it becomes inconsistent, unfair, and accusatory.
2) general rules for police search & seizure in homes and cars
I think that the rules in place for for police search and seizures are reasonable. It's fair to require warrants and probable cause because otherwise the rights of the citizens might be infringed upon. The court system agrees with this and has the exclusionary rule in place so that no illegally obtained evidence is allowed in court. The Bill of Rights states that no illegal search and seizure will be allowed, therefore protecting the citizens while als giving allowance for law enforcement to do what is necessary under the law.