Constitutional Law—Spectator Attending Athletic Event Voluntarily Consents Under Fourth Amendment to Pat-Down Search at Stadium Entrance—Johnston v. Tampa Sports Authority, 490 F.3d 820 (11th Cir. 2007)

The Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution protects people from unreasonable searches and seizures by the government.  The Fourth Amendment states, “The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated.”  If, however, a person consents to a search by a government agent, no Fourth Amendment violation occurs.  In Johnston v. Tampa Sports Authority, the Eleventh Circuit considered whether a football game spectator consented to a pat-down search by presenting himself at the stadium entrance.  The court held the spectator voluntarily consented to the pat-down search because he was aware of the search policy and continued to seek admission into the stadium. . . .