Can the Customs Service, read and photocopy the contents of any paper correspondence, books, etc. brought into the country?
Yes, except for diplomatic immunity; it’s legal to search at the border w/o probable cause or any reasonable suspicion at all. And it should be legal. The only slightly gray area for me legally is when do Constitutional rights of US citizens re-entering the country attach. I think the traditional rule has been that they attach when the customs man says so. That seems OK with me assuming proper training etc.
I think the analogy between the contents of a suitcase and the contents of a computer is apt (except the gov. doesn’t confiscate your clothing). Other folks have suggested ways to protect intellectual property.
Really though, they are trying to get into our house. What’s the complaint?
Well, their complaint is the mere existence of borders.
Open borders psychosis, a progression of the “political correctness” disease, is a fundament of leftist dogma. “Imagine there’s no countries....”
Too bad the American people do not have the government on its side. But last summer’s historic showdown between Americans and the governing country club elite over the Imm. Reform Act is heartening. The next president will be, at least, an open borders sympathizer. So the responsibility for saving the nation from anarchy on the borders (i.e., saving the nation) is on the States and the people. Unfortunate, but oddly appropriate and not surprising. See 10th Amendment.
I think it depends.
For instance, photocopying a Disney book would probably get them in trouble with copyright laws and they would never be willing to match wits with the mouse house.
Same with music CDs. Big trouble with RIAA. Get their donkeys sued.
OTOH, trade secrets, competitive advantage for small companies, that kind of stuff is fair game...