By David G. Savage, Los Angeles Times
The ACLU had challenged a San Diego County policy, saying its warrantless inspections violated privacy rights. The Supreme Court refuses to hear it.
County welfare officers may conduct routine searches of the homes of welfare recipients to combat fraud under a ruling in a California case that the Supreme Court let stand Monday.
The justices refused to hear a challenge from the American Civil Liberties Union, which contended that San Diego County’s policy of requiring home searches without a warrant violated privacy rights.
The 4th Amendment to the Constitution forbids the police to search a residence without a warrant. But the home inspections in San Diego County are different, judges said, because they do not seek evidence of a crime. Instead, they are intended to determine whether welfare recipients qualify for benefits.
The San Diego district attorney adopted a policy in 1997 under which applicants for welfare benefits must agree to a “walk through” of their residence while they are present. The inspectors check on whether the applicant has an eligible dependent child and has the amount of assets claimed. They also check on whether a supposedly “absent” parent lives at the residence. If residents refuse to permit a home visit, they can lose their benefits.
“there is no evidence of deliberate wrongdoing from the Bush Administration”
Idiot.
Dream on, well intentioned, but misguided people. There will never be an impeachment, because there is no evidence of deliberate wrongdoing from the Bush Administration. Unless soundbites from Hollywood celebities can be considered as “evidence.” By the way, human caused global warming is also a myth. Sorry, sometimes the truth is really tough to handle.
But, continue on with your impeachment fantasy, if it gets you through the day, and I would love to hear of this evidence!
Sincere best wishes,
Al