Is it against a persons human rights to have there bag searched without reason?

Question

I just read this article:

http://uk.movies.yahoo.com/19022008/5/cinema-s-sweet-eating-policy-sucks-0.html

I recently traveled around Australia, i was amazed when i first went in a supermarket to have the checkout assistant ask to search my bag... I've never experienced that here in the UK supermarkets...

I also noticed women were never asked to have there handbags searched yet as a man with a small bag for personal belongings over my shoulder i was constantly being asked to open my bag... Im an honest looking guy, and dont look like a thief.

I personaly find this sort of thing an infringment on my human rights, what do others think on this issue ??

Answer 1

Give any chuckle head a little authority and it's bound to happen. Your bag was not searched without reason. The reason is the person that wanted to search your stuff wanted to exercise that authority on you. Of course there was probably some lame excuse given when nothing was found, but such is the way of the world.

Answer 2

it's an issue of infringement of personal privacy.

Answer 3

yes it is.but then again dont tell the world that          your are honest coz there is nothing like good people.

Answer 4

Didn't you ask why or say No?

Well that will prepare you for what they are going to do here!

SUS is coming back!

Answer 5

don't do it.

Answer 6

not since "the war on terror"

Answer 7

It was common practice in Norn.Irn. for obvious reasons.I've come across it in America,Portugal Spain and Greece in supermarkets.Not bothered,got nothing to hide.Maybe the first time it happens it's a bit annoying,I'm used to it.

Answer 8

Jabba, I HAVE to: it's "their" because it's possessive.

And I think it's strange that they searched you, unless you had that scarf thingy on your head. Then i would have, too.

Answer 9

That news article about the guy in the UK cinema being searched should not have happened as the security guard has no legal right to search him and if the guy had refused and the guard did it anyway then he would be guilty of an assault.

In the UK their are strict laws covering searching people. The only way a security guard could do it is if they KNOW that you have stolen something and they detain you until the Police arrive. I've highlighted know, as security guards have no power to detain people on suspicion that they stolen something. If they do and get it wrong then the person can rightfully sue for unlawful arrest and even have them done for assault as obviously they would grab hold of you to detain you.

Businesses can ask you to consent to them searching you or your bag as a condition of entry to their premises like some nightclubs do but if you refuse then all they can do is deny you entry and ask you to leave. They have no right to search whatsoever.

Answer 10

Its hardly a human rights abuse.

If you have nothing to hide, you have nothing to worry about.

Answer 11

Your human rights really don't exist outside of the UK or the Us for that matter....Anything goes....

For a man carrying a bag that kinda resembles a purse,,,well that would be a little suspicious...

Answer 12

He should've told that guy to go f uck himself.

Answer 13

if you have nothing to hide then what you worried about ?

people like you and others on here are the first to moan when a bomb goes off in a restraunt or pub ....... and you say "why wasnt her bag searched" why should a supermarket be any different !!!!!!

Answer 14

of course it is!

They don't have the authority to forcibly search your bag

You are well within your rights to refuse

Answer 15

Well, if you are in their country, you just have to deal with it....

I don't know what to tell you... I think it's just more common to question men... which is stupid, because I think girls steal way more than boys... at least in the US...

You should start carrying weird things in your bag... like a bondage kit, some condoms, the idiots guide to oral s*x, maybe some viagra...  just to make them uncomfortable... maybe some "used" condoms...

maybe put a little mayo in some condoms and keep them in a ziploc bag....  and to top it all off... an x-rated picture of the virgin mary...

Answer 16

So - what does a thief actually look like then - ????

They may have a clause in the store which says that they have the right to search - a lot of stores in UK are now doing the same.

Principle - if you have nothing to hide you should not be worried.

Although - I do agree with you - it is a pain

Answer 17

what rights? they thought you where a poofter thats all

Answer 18

Which of your legal human rights has been violated?   Human Rights aren't just things you like being able to do!  The shops will have signs saying that bags may be searched.  You accept this by entering the store in the UK.  The police however do need a warrant as you have not made an agreement with them.  The law they would violate without a warrant (not a human right) would be trespass.  This is a criminal law situation whereas human rights are a civil liberties issue.  

Any rights granted by the European Convention on Human Rights were integrated into UK law as of 1st October 2000 by our Human Rights Act 1998.  The right to privacy does feature but applies more to your privacy at home and data protection than bag searching.  As this search takes place on your person, you could charge the offender with trespass or assault if they are at all threatening with it (they don't have to actually touch you for it to be assault).  

This is the UK legal system.  I'm afraid I don't know the situation in Australia, but they didn't have to sign the ECHR.  However, the criminal elements are probably similar as their legal system is based on ours.

Answer 19

at work security have a button u have to press and it either says search or pass they do this so they dont get accussed of being unfair on certain people !!

they go thru ur bag and check u havent stolen from the warehouse or offices.

they also have the right to search your car at any point aswell!

i argue with them all the time telling them it is unfair and none of there business wat i choose to carry in my bag !!

Answer 20

No it's not an infringement on your rights.

Answer 21

it is without probable cause