Crime & Safety

Should Up-Skirt Photos Have First Amendment Protection?

The Supreme Judicial Court heard arguments this week about whether or not people can expect privacy on public transportation.

By Bryan McGonigle and Chris Helms

A Bay State man accused of taking photos up women's skirts on the T has an interesting defense: His lawyer says he has a constitutional right to do so, The Eagle-Tribune is reporting.

Andover resident Michael Robertson, 31, was charged with the crime in 2010 but has appealed the case to the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court. Now his lawyer says women shouldn't expect privacy on public transportation. She also argues the state's Peeping Tom laws are outdated.

Read the complete story here at the Eagle-Tribune. It includes some of the questions justices asked.

What's your take? Is there a right not to have photos snapped of your undies while riding public transportation? Should the benefit of the doubt go to First Amendment rights?


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