Reply #8: 4th Amendment Does Not Apply to Non-Governmental Entities [View All]

People frequently make the mistake of believing that the 4th Amendment protects US citizens from any kind of intrusion by both government entities and private companies. This is incorrect. For example, while the emails you compose at work are protected from government snooping, your employer has the right screen your emails at any time and make termination decisions based on such emails if appropriate.

By the way, this also applies to the 1st Amendment right to free speech. For example, while you would be free, if you were so inclined, to scream racist rhetoric into the air from a street corner for all passersby to hear without the fear of government persecution, this same behavior could result in your termination from your place of employment, even if this act did not take place at your place of employment.