Letting Katz out of the Bag: Cognitive Freedom and Fourth Amendment Fidelity

Authors

Christian M. Halliburton

Abstract

What would life be like if it became impossible to keep a secret? We may find out with the advent of a new technology called "Brain Fingerprinting" and other technologies that allow access to our very thoughts. This Article first discusses the advent of technology like Brain Fingerprinting and its kin, and their impact on cognitive autonomy. The Article then posits the question, what would the Constitution have to say about evidentiary inquiries into the mind through the use of such technology? The author argues that current Fourth Amendment jurisprudence, including Katz v. United States, is inadequate to address such a question, and concludes with a call to reevaluate our understanding of the Fourth Amendment and to seek alternative methods that offer more satisfying resolution of these issues.

Recommended Citation

Christian M. Halliburton, Letting Katz out of the Bag: Cognitive Freedom and Fourth Amendment Fidelity, 59 Hastings L.J. 309 (2007).
Available at: https://repository.uclawsf.edu/hastings_law_journal/vol59/iss2/2