160 likes | 179 Views
Learn about probable cause, search warrants, exclusionary rule, Terry stops, educational searches, and legal precedents related to police searches. Explore cases like Mapp v. Ohio and key concepts like "Reasonable Suspicion." Understand your rights and the legal framework governing police searches.
E N D
The Police, Searches, etc • Probable Cause-IF the police have “probable cause” that a crime has taken place they may ask a judge for a “search warrant” • MAY ONLY SEARCH FOR THINGS W/IN the WARRANT • Evidenced gained illegally by the police is subject to the “Exclusionary Rule”
When the Police need NO Warrant • 1. consent (Yes Officer, go ahead) • 2. plain view (It’s on the floor of my car) • 3. Search Incident or Arrest (You’ve been arrested, for police protection, they may search) • Exigent Circumstances (Flushing evidence down toilet)
Terry Stop • Three Men looking into a window, Suspicious • Terry V. Ohio • What it is?-The Police may search you for a weapon on your outer clothes only….. • When you’re pulled over, they can do this too
Vernonia School District V Acton • Oregon-Late 1980’s school officials recognized higher rate of drug use among athletes • Student athletes were role models and admired-school and community • Athletes were recognized now as drug users but leaders of drug culture • Poor athletic/dangerous performance
What to do? • All extra curricular students-10% weekly random testing • Is “Reasonableness” justified in urine testing of all students? Does this constitute an illegal search??? • Warrants are NOT always necessary-Places with “special needs-” a school • The Supreme Court held that although the tests were searches under the Fourth Amendment, they were “REASONABLE” Searches
What is “Reasonable Suspicion?” • Less than probable cause but MORE than a “hunch or a suspicion.” • Police may search a detained person for “weapons” but not drugs. • A “Terry Stop”-BRIEF detention by the police on “reasonable suspicion” of their involvement in a crime • Traffic stops count • “May I search your car?” NO-I do not consent to a search. • Or sure, go ahead.
continued • Without a warrant, police may not search the car unless weapons or contraband are in plain sight. • The police may not move objects to get a better view • Police protect the public. 99.9% percent are honorable. No one is perfect
Exclusionary Rule • Evidence gathered illegally can be “excluded” from trial • Mapp V. Ohio-Police search Dollree’s home without a warrant looking for gambling evidence. They found porn instead. She was arrested for having obscene material. The court overturned her conviction and “Excluded” the obscene material. • Exclusionary rule-means to prevent police misconduct.
US Government Journal! • Please explain the concept of “Double Jeopardy.” • Contrast a bench trial with a jury trial • What is the right to a speedy trial??
Mapp V. Ohio • Police search home for wanted man who rented a room • What do they find?? Porn • Illegal in those days • They arrested Dollree Mapp, who owned the house • Background (for me) • Strengthened the concept of the “Exclusionary Rule”
Illinois V Caballes • Marijuana • Mr. Caballes stopped by Police • Another police car with K-9 Unit comes • Did the stop prove probable cause to have k-9 unit come? • The court said that, yes, no problem • Off to prison • HOWEVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! March 26, 2013
TLO v. New Jersey • Young lady was smoking cigarettes in the bathroom • A teacher smelled the smoke and took girls to A.P. • “Reasonable suspicion” They smelled like smoke. • Searched young T.L.O.’s purse • Found drug paraphenialia, cigarettes, names of kids she dealt marijuana to. All in “plain sight.” • She sued, she lost.
Safford USD V. Redding • Prescription Drugs on campus, middle school • Young Savanna Redding accused of having, distribution these pills • Her friend was caught and said she got them from Savanna • Near strip search • Her parents sued, they won. • There was NO REASONABLE suspicion that Savanna had drugs