Drones in Domestic Surveillance Operations : Fourth Amendment Implications and Legislative Responses

Author / Creator

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service. American Law Division

Available as

Online

Summary

Assesses use of drones in domestic surveillance operations, in light of Fourth Amendment right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures. Explores potential uses of drones in the domestic ...

Assesses use of drones in domestic surveillance operations, in light of Fourth Amendment right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures. Explores potential uses of drones in the domestic sphere by Federal, State, and local governments. Surveys current Fourth Amendment jurisprudence, including cases surrounding privacy in the home, privacy in public spaces, location tracking, manned aerial surveillance, and those involving border security. Considers how existing jurisprudence may inform current and proposed drone uses. Describes various legislative measures introduced in the 112th Congress to address legal and policy issues surrounding drones, and identifies several alternative approaches that may constrain potential scope of drone surveillance.

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