The Law: The Right Not to Fly

There were no fewer than 31 attempted skyjackings in the U.S. during 1972, and one inevitable consequence was a new set of federal regulations that went into effect last week: all passengers and all hand luggage must be inspected for weapons, explosives, and even any unexplained metal.

This tightened security may or may not reduce skyjacking, but it will certainly increase the concern among civil libertarians about the right of privacy. Though figures are still scattered, it is estimated that more than 80% of the arrests related to airline searches have nothing to do with skyjacking.

Most courts have thus far avoided the...

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