Cell phone transmissions and internet transmissions are no different than 'papers'. They are your communications.daxwc wrote:I agree with you that your cell phone falls under effects but not the transmission itself. You can’t seize the cellphone without a warrant, but the forth is not so clear eavesdropping the signal and the plain meaning becomes not so plain. Does the fourth ban all surveillance operations?"Effects" in this Amendment means personal possessions; property. Your wallet, your cell phone and your PDA are examples of "personal effects". However, this amendment is like all the others; the plain meaning is generally ignored, and lawyers argue over minutia.
The intent of the fourth amendment is very clear. No government snooping.