140 likes | 160 Views
4 th Amendment. Right Against Unreasonable Searches and Seizures. Background. Writs of Assistance General Search Warrants. Search Warrants Today. Must have a Search Warrant Probable Cause Police must present “Probable Cause” to a judge / court to get a warrant (check on their power)
E N D
4th Amendment Right Against Unreasonable Searches and Seizures
Background • Writs of Assistance • General Search Warrants
Search Warrants Today • Must have a Search Warrant • Probable Cause • Police must present “Probable Cause” to a judge / court to get a warrant (check on their power) • Specifications – Search Warrants are very specific as to what they are searching for and where they can search
Exclusionary Rule • Definition: Evidence obtained illegally cannot be used against you in court. • Mapp v. Ohio • But… if police are searching within the boundaries of the warrant and find something illegal they can use it against you
Good Faith Rule • If police are acting in “good faith” to the search warrant then the evidence can be used against you. • Examples: • Wrong date, time, street address on warrant
Searches In Schools • Different than Society • New Jersey v. T.L.O. • No Warrant is needed • All that is needed for a search is: • “on reasonable grounds to believe a search will uncover evidence of a violation of school rules” • Lockers • Backpacks / Purses • Cars on school grounds
Searches Without Warrants • Police can search you and your possessions without a warrant in six different scenarios / tests according to the Supreme Court
Lawful Inspections • You have all probably been lawfully inspected • Airports • Borders • Anytime you willingly go through a metal detector would be a “lawful inspection”
Consent • If you give your consent / OK to be searched police don’t need a warrant • Consent to search the trunk of your car • Consent to search your house
Incident to Arrest • When you are arrested you and your possessions can be searched • Whatever is found may be used against you
Emergency • If police are responding to an emergency and they find something illegal it can be used against you • Responding to Fire
Plain View • What police can see in plain view can be used against you and constitute a search • How does an officer approach your car when you are pulled over (at night?)
Stop and Frisk • If an officer is viewing suspicious activity then they may be able to search • Supreme Court Case • Difficult to define • Cannot search if you just look guilty