Carbon, Kevan

Full-body scanners are now being used as primary search mechanisms in airports, and this is causing much controversy, with groups such as the Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC) alleging that the scanners are unconstitutional. I address whether full-body airport scanners violate the Fourth Amendment when used as primary search mechanisms. Drawing on legal commentary and court cases, involving airport security and administrative searches, and exceptions to general warrant requirements, I argue that when full-body scanners are used as primary search mechanisms, no Fourth Amendment rights are violated, but only if it is established that the scanners are effective and safe.