Taking unconstitutional legislature to a new low, State Senator Alex Padilla, a Democrat from Los Angeles, has written up a new law that would allow law enforcement to enter optical-disc plants and seize pirated materials, and the equipment to make them, without a warrant. The Senator explains his dismissal of The Document This Country Is Founded On like so: “The crime of illegal mass reproduction of music and movies is a serious problem.” So serious that even the Constitution falls apart in its presence.
In a report on Wired, Padilla further explains his measure, which has already passed through two Senate committees and is up for a third vote this week, and supports the need for unconstitutionality with statistics and rhetoric: “Last year alone, more than 820,000 illegal discs were seized by law enforcement authorities in California. Fraudulent CDs and DVDs undermine our economy and California’s role as a global leader in music and film. They steal revenue from artists, retailers, and our entertainment sector.”
Despite this country’s supposed good common sense and intelligence, the new law is being supported wholeheartedly by the Recording Industry Association of America and the Motion Picture Association of America, who both love profits and feel that cultural standards and ethics are as flimsy as their business plans.
Check out the entire bill here.