Pubdate: Thu, 26 May 2005 Source: Commercial Appeal (Memphis, TN) Copyright: 2005 The Commercial Appeal Contact: http://www.commercialappeal.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/95 Author: James A. Carraway Jr. Note: 4 Of 5 JUDGE FOLLOWED CLEAR STATE LAWS Skahan made the hard decision her oath of office mandates her to make. Too bad the sheriff's deputy overstepped his authority and violated the Constitution. Is the right against unlawful search and seizure a mere "technicality" for protecting alleged drug couriers, or is it a real protection for us all against overzealous law enforcement? If police were more concerned with understanding the law and upholding the Constitution, which they also take an oath to follow, I would feel much more safe and secure in my rights as an American. Police officers trampling constitutional rights are a much greater threat to our freedom than the release of one drug courier whose rights are designated a mere "technicality." James A. Carraway Jr. Cordova - --- MAP posted-by: Elizabeth Wehrman