Do airport full-body scanners violate fourth amendment rights when used as primary search mechanisms?

Author

• Kevan Carbon

Date of Award

2011

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

Submission Date

October 2026

Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]

Tunick, Mark

Abstract

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.

Comments

Includes bibliography.

Recommended Citation

Carbon, Kevan, "Do airport full-body scanners violate fourth amendment rights when used as primary search mechanisms?" (2011). Harriet L Wilkes Honors College Theses 2010 - 2019. 49.
https://digitalcommons.fau.edu/etd_honors_2/49

Extent

57 p.

Identifier

FA00003570