The eighth in the 15-part series Bill of Rights Radio Education Project, co-sponsored by the Pacifica Foundation and the American Civil Liberties Union, with major funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities. This episode explores the legality of sting operations, ABSCAM, COINTELPRO, and other entrapment. Includes discussion of American law enforcement, police procedures, and the Bill of Rights, specifically the Fourth and Fifth Amendments. David Selvin, producer; Brenda Wilson, narrator; Adi Gevins, executive producer; Marie Ritzo, associate producer; David Rapkin, project engineer.
On box: Temptation, Crime, and Original Sin: Entrapment, Police Procedures, and the Bill of Rights. From ABSCAM to sting operations, from COINTELPRO to the daily activities of vice and narcotics squads, American law enforcement officials are tempting, seducing, and some say entrapping potential law breakers into committing illegal acts. These tactics have made some impressive successes as people are caught in police nets, committing habitual crimes. But is this always the case? When is the line between temptation and seduction crossed? Is this approach consistent with the foundation of the American system of justice as put forth in the Fourth Amendment (the right of people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers and effects against unreasonable search and seizure) and the Fifth Amendment (deprivation of life, liberty, or property without due process of law). Produced by David Selvin.
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