Legal Question in Constitutional Law in Washington

web cameras in bathrooms

I am a high school social studies teacher and we are currently studying the Constitution and Constitutional Rights. The question came up about web cameras in public places. For most issues I can figure out the legal arguements, but I am honestly baffled at how web cameras in bathroom stalls can be permissible. Is it simple an issue of public space, and that rights to privacy are superceded? Have there been any court decisions that have tested this issue? If so, please let me know where I can find them.


Asked on 3/22/00, 5:22 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Ken Koury Kenneth P. Koury, Esq.

Re: web cameras in bathrooms

I know of no place where web cams in bathrooms are legal. Keep in mind when you talk about privacy rights there are two different issues. There is privacy from government and privacy from others. There is a rule that when you are in a public place you give up your right of privacy to some extent. The standard is whether you are in a place where you can have a reasonable expectation of privacy. A bathroom stall, public or private is a place where you certainly have that expectation. If you are talking about a government placing the camera then it is a 4th amendment issue, unreasonable search and seizure. If a private individual or company put the camera there then you have a tort that can be the basis of a lawsuit for money. Does that answer your question?

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Answered on 3/28/00, 1:18 am


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