Court Opinion

ID: 9664151
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-24 00:04:44.82564+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T18:15:02.564913
License: Public Domain

*92Hallows, C. J.
(dissenting). On the facts presented, the question of probable cause is a close question, but I do not reach its solution because I believe, probable cause or not, a policewoman should not be allowed to search the vagina of a suspect. I agree there may be a need for such a search in narcotic cases. I agree, too, with the dissent and the trial court in their criticism of the alleged police practice. But I would go farther. A suspect and even a criminal is a human being with rights ; one of these is the right of privacy which includes the sacredness of his body. My concept of justice and respect for the dignity of a human being rebels against allowing a lay person to search the privates of another person. This should be done only by a physician so authorized by a court on probable cause. Anything less is not a reasonable search within the meaning of the constitution to my way of thinking.