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Should NH have sobriety checkpoints?

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Members of the Free State Project made the news recently for their protests at sobriety checkpoints in Manchester, New Hampshire. Sobriety checkpoints are "random" roadside stops where law enforcement officers can pull over a vehicle regardless of specific behavior or suspicion. Currently, sobriety checkpoints in New Hampshire are legal although law enforcement officers must send out a public notice about the location ahead of time. 

Opponents argue that sobriety checkpoints are a violation of a citizen's constitutional rights, specifically, their 4th Amendment right that protects against unreasonable search and seizures. In addition, they argue it is an unnecessary use of taxpayer money.

On the other hand, supporters argue that sobriety checkpoints exist for the greater good. In 1990, the Supreme Court ruled that "the dangers of drunk driving far outweighed the 'degree of intrusion' of sobriety checkpoints and they are an exception to the search and seizure provisions of the U.S. Constitution." 

UPDATE: Read our Citizen Voices℠ report and find out where New Hampshire stands on this issue.

 

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