National Treasury Employees Union v. Von Raab - Impact

In a close decision of 5-4, the U.S. Supreme Court sought to identify how valid governmental interests could outweigh the guarantee of privacy rights under the Fourth Amendment. They found the rationale for maintaining a drug testing program for U.S. Customs Service employees was justified. The service manifested a bona fide concern regarding the safety and effectiveness of agents engaged in interdiction of illicit narcotics. The dissenting opinion presented equally compelling reservations regarding the potential for infringement on Fourth Amendment rights. The Court justified its decision on a just, theoretical basis that sought to address the problem of drug abuse in the workplace and uphold a governmental interest in using its power to compel their interests in the "war on drugs."