Difference between revisions of "GPS Evidence and the Fourth Amendment"
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==Background== | ==Background== | ||
− | Global Positioning System (GPS) is a system of satellites in outer space that | + | Global Positioning System (GPS) is a system of satellites in outer space that provides detailed information about the position and timing of anyone on the Earth. The system is maintained by the United States Government. Anyone with a GPS receiver can track their location to within a few meters or less using the GPS system. |
− | Originally civilian service for GPS devices was significantly downgraded. However, under Bill Clinton, civilians began to receive the most accurate GPS service available. | + | Originally, civilian service for GPS devices was significantly downgraded. However, under the presidency of former President Bill Clinton, civilians began to receive the most accurate GPS service available. |
GPS may be accurate to within a few meters. However, accuracy varies on the quality of the receiving device. Some devices may be accurate to within a few centimeters. | GPS may be accurate to within a few meters. However, accuracy varies on the quality of the receiving device. Some devices may be accurate to within a few centimeters. | ||
− | As GPS technology has become more widely available, the price of GPS technology has fallen dramatically. Today, GPS can be found | + | As GPS technology has become more widely available, the price of GPS technology has fallen dramatically. Today, GPS technology can be found with the iPhone as well as inexpensive computerized navigation systems for cars. |
− | Since GPS has the power to tell an individual exactly where a tracking device is at any given time the use of GPS devices has flourished as an investigatory device in many parts of the United States. | + | Since GPS has the power to tell an individual exactly where a tracking device is at any given time, the use of GPS devices has flourished as an investigatory device in many parts of the United States. |
Local courts are still grappling with whether the use of a GPS device over a long period of time violates a defendant's right to be free of warrantless searches and seizures. | Local courts are still grappling with whether the use of a GPS device over a long period of time violates a defendant's right to be free of warrantless searches and seizures. |