

When an individual knowingly exposes information to the public, they are not eligible for Fourth Amendment protections.Īny individual seeking privacy, even in a public area or an area accessible to the public, however, may still be constitutionally guarded from searches and seizures, depending on the state. In one Supreme Court case, Justice Potter Stewart ruled that the Fourth Amendment protects individuals, and not places. The amendment also requires all search warrants, before they’re deemed legal, to be sanctioned by a court, who must then decide whether or not there is probable cause for issuance of a warrant.

The Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution is the only legislation that comes close to addressing a federal stance on these cameras, which is the clause about guarding individuals from unreasonable or unwarranted searches and seizures. These videos are often used in courts as undeniable evidence. Generally, people are in favor of using video cameras in locations such as tunnels, stairways, elevators, and parking garages, due to the abnormally high rate of crime that takes place in these locations. Most of us accept the realities of video surveillance - despite being somewhat invasive, cameras have a marked and noticeable impact on crime levels. If there’s a public notice advising the public that video camera is in use and is posted on the property of a business, an individual’s rights to privacy are wholly forfeited and void. In Delaware and Connecticut, businesses have to notify their employees and customers both if there are any video cameras on the property that may break any expectations of privacy, such as in a bathroom or changing room.

Video surveillance laws differ greatly from state to state. Updated June 30, 2020: Video Surveillance Laws by State
