What happens when government officials seek a warrant to search a citizen’s entire cell phone?
Most Americans assume there must be evidence of a serious crime.
In this episode, attorney Nathan M. F. Charles examines the actual search warrant affidavit used to authorize the forensic search of Kimberly Baylor’s phone and asks a simple question:
Where is the crime?
The affidavit describes social media posts, criticism of public officials, emails to a government office, phone calls to a government office, and public advocacy concerning a matter of public controversy. Yet a local magistrate authorized a search of virtually every aspect of Baylor’s digital life.
This episode explores the constitutional implications of that decision, the dangers of expanding government power, and why the Fourth Amendment exists in the first place.
Most importantly, we are making the affidavit itself available to the public so you can read it and reach your own conclusions.
Read the affidavit here:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1i6Ilb5k1kD58KejHjuKLGbT03n-XiJC1/view?usp=sharing
At Charles International Law, we intend to continue challenging unconstitutional government conduct and holding public officials accountable when they exceed the limits imposed by the Constitution.
A magistrate authorized a forensic search of an entire cell phone. After reading the affidavit, I believe every American should ask the same question: where is the crime? Read the warrant yourself and decide.
