Man Arrested by TSA for Failing to Show ID Cleared of All Charges by Jury

Justice is sweet. I am grinning this evening because after a gruesome semester of Evidence (a standard law school course that most students take during their second year), I once again have a little faith in our jury system.

If you recall, just last week I blogged that a man who had been arrested by the TSA in November 2009 finally reached trial. After hearing the evidence, the jury promptly dismissed all four charges (concealing identity, disorderly conduct, refusing to obey an officer, criminal trespass) against Phil Moceck.

While I am quite disappointed that the Albuquerque DA’s office would bring this matter to trial in the first place, two observations from the trial merit mention. First, you do not have to present identification to travel domestically in the United States. You are, however, subject to additional screening if you show up without your ID. Second, cameras may be freely used at TSA checkpoints.

This is not news to me, but I think very few people are aware of the revelations above, especially the camera rule (though I understand that very few airport travelers would have a reason to take pictures of the smurfs in action).

Once the trial transcript becomes available, I will add it to the comments section. If I find anything juicy in it, I’ll write up a separate post.

I love to report good news once in a while and I am very pleased to report that the TSA has lost this intimidation battle.