Fundamental Principles of Breath Testing: An Imperfect Means to a Legitimate End - Steven Epstein, Esq.

On September 10, 1897, a London cabdriver named George Smith became the first person in recorded history to be arrested for driving while under the influence of alcohol (“DUI”). It was obvious to the bobbies that he was intoxicated. Also obvious was that his being intoxicated affected his ability to drive a car. Mr. Smith crashed his taxi cab into a building. Mr. Smith pled guilty and was sentenced to pay 25 schillings. 1 The purpose of his prosecution was as