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  Court Denies Appeal by Urine Seller
Posted by FoM on March 18, 2002 at 10:01:12 PT
By Gina Holland, Associated Press Writer 
Source: Associated Press 

drug_testing Internet shoppers can expect one less product online: urine from South Carolina. Kenneth Curtis lost a Supreme Court appeal that asked for permission to sell his fluids, part of a business that caters to people who are trying to beat drug tests.

A 1999 South Carolina law made urine sales illegal, and it was Curtis' challenge of the law that justices refused Monday to review. Curtis has already figured out a way around the ban, moving his enterprise to North Carolina.

His lawyer, Robert C. Child III, said in court filings that the former pipefitter is simply selling a natural product and is not responsible for how it is used.

"Our government does not require those who sell alcohol to ask their customers if they intend to get drunk and drive, nor do they require those who sell bullets or guns to ask their customers if they intend to kill someone," Child wrote.

For $69, Curtis sells his drug-free urine, along with a small pouch, tubing and a warming packet.

His Web site promises buyers "can use our kit in a natural urinating position ... and you cannot be detected even if directly observed." The site includes a cartoon of a man, lowering his pants then urinating on a police officer's shoes.

Curtis started the sales in 1996. He moved his business, Privacy Protection Services, from Greenville, S.C., to North Carolina pending the outcome of the challenge.

The South Carolina Supreme Court already rejected his claims that the law was vague, violated his freedom of expression rights and infringed on interstate commerce.

"A statute making it unlawful to defraud a drug test furthers the public purpose of ensuring a drug-free workplace," South Carolina Chief Justice Jean Toal wrote. "Furthermore, the public purpose of creating safety in the workplace outweighs any legitimate interest, if any, of Curtis in doing business."

The law makes it illegal to give away or sell urine to be used to defraud a drug or alcohol screening test. First-time offenders can be sentenced to up to three years in prison.

In a separate case, the Supreme Court is considering whether schools may give drug tests to nearly any student involved in after-school activities without evidence the student or the school has a drug problem. Arguments in that case are Tuesday.

Curtis maintains his service is needed for people who are being forced to submit to unconstitutional tests.

The case is Curtis v. South Carolina, 01-875.

On the Net:

Supreme Court: http://www.supremecourtus.gov/

Privacy Protection Services: http://www.privacypro.com/

Newshawk: Nicholas Thimmesch II
NORML Media & Communications
Source: Associated Press
Author: Gina Holland, Associated Press Writer
Published: Monday, March 18, 2002
Copyright: 2002 Associated Press

Related Article:

Drug-Free Urine at $69 a Pee
http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread10800.shtml

CannabisNews Drug Testing Archives
http://cannabisnews.com/news/list/drug_testing.shtml


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Comment #5 posted by Nicholas Thimmesch on March 18, 2002 at 16:10:46 PT:

Yes...
Yes: www.spiritualintrigue.com

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Comment #4 posted by goneposthole on March 18, 2002 at 13:55:20 PT
koyaanisqatsi
Crazy life

Life in turmoil

Life disintegrating

Life out of balance

A state of life that calls for another way of living

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Comment #3 posted by Nicholas Thimmesch on March 18, 2002 at 12:40:46 PT:

Sweet pee....
In the 21st century, genetic engineering makes possible the creation of biologically superior human specimens ("valids"), who then grow to positions of power and prestige. Would-be astronaut Vincent(Ethan Hawke) born the old-fashioned way, can only hope for a janitorial position at the elite Gattaca Corporation--until he buys the blood, urine, and identity of a perfect but paralyzed athlete. But a murder in the company's ranks attracts the attention of a detective who threatens to sniff Vincent out. A slick futuristic thriller. Academy Award Nominations--Best Art Direction. MPAA Rating: PG-13 for brief violent images, language and some sexuality. BTW: EThan Hawke was great at the High Times "Stony Awards" the other day & seems like a great pot advocate: THIMMESCH



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Comment #2 posted by E_Johnson on March 18, 2002 at 10:54:01 PT
Rent GATTACA
Rent the movie GATTACA to see how far this can go.



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Comment #1 posted by Nicholas Thimmesch on March 18, 2002 at 10:22:53 PT:

Urine my dreams...
Let's see: it's legal/okay to sell your blood, sperm, hair and eggs, but it's not alright to sell something you get rid of (hoepfully) every day, namely, urine. No trickle down economic theory here, eh? THIMMESCH

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