I am a frequent customer of Fry's Electronics, and am always asked to
show them my reciept as well as the contents the purchase bag whenever
I go there. I've heard that this is a violation of my 4 amendment
rights, and have heard rumor that they've gone to court over this sort
of thing.
So if they ask to check my reciept can I legally refuse? Have they
gone to court over this?

Thanks,
Zumpoof

Hi zumpoof-ga,

http://www.nolo.com/lawcenter/ency/article.cfm/objectID/DED24689-ADA8-4785-887A0B4A19A694DE
Understanding Search and Seizure Law
This article from NOLO press gives a good review of the concerns you
raise regarding search and seizure and the expectations of privacy.
The key issue to remember that search and seizure by agents of the
government is differentiated from search and seizure by private
parties.

The sidebar article on this page answers your question. It looks like
Fry’s can go ahead and search your bags.

Restrictions on Private Security Personnel
“At the present time, the Fourth Amendment does not apply to searches
carried out by non-governmental employees like private security
guards.”

You could show your displeasure by taking your business somewhere
else.
czh

Cesar A's story here: http://www.doofus.org/Frys/other2.html seems to
confirm your hunch.

Thanks secret901-ga! Funny story too!