Civil Rights and Discrimination Commons^™

Elimination Of Arbitrary Automobile Stops: Theory And Practice, Gary D. Stumpp

Fordham Urban Law Journal

The authority of the police to enforce the statutory restrictions governing vehicle and traffic laws has often been considered to be concomitant with a right to stop motorists arbitrarily to determine their compliance. Recently, some courts have eroded this power, to protect the constitutional rights guaranteed to individuals under the fourth amendment. In their consideration of these arbitrary automobile stops, the courts have utilized a balancing process. They consider the state interest in promoting public safety on the highways through the guaranteed enforcement of the relevant laws, as well as the duty of the police to detect and control crime. …