Illinois v. Caballes

Following is the case brief for Illinois v. Caballes, 543 U.S. 405 (2005) Case Summary of Illinois v. Caballes: A state trooper stopped Caballes for speeding.  Another trooper overheard the stop called over the radio. The second trooper went to the location of the stop with a drug-detection dog and walked the dog around Caballes’ car, while the first trooper […]

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Kentucky v. King

Following is the case brief for Kentucky v. King, 563 U.S. 452 (2011) Case Summary of Kentucky v. King: Police officers follows a suspect into an apartment complex and lost sight of him. They smelled marijuana outside an apartment door, knocked loudly, and announced their presence. Upon hearing noises consistent with the destruction of evidence, the officers announced their intention […]

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Olmstead v. United States

Following is the case brief for Olmstead v. United States, 277 U.S. 438 (1928) Case Summary of Olmstead v. United States: Olmstead, and other defendants, were convicted of conspiracy to violate the Prohibition Act. The evidence used to convict consisted of wiretapped conversations that were obtained without judicial approval. Olmstead challenged his conviction, claiming that the use of the wiretap […]

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Maryland v. Buie

Following is the case brief for Maryland v. Buie, 494 U.S. 325 (1990) Case Summary of Maryland v. Buie: Respondent Buie emerged from his basement while officers were executing an arrest warrant for him in his home.  After Buie’s arrest, an officer conducted a protective sweep of the basement and found incriminating evidence in plain view. The plain view evidence […]

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Florida v. Riley

Following is the case brief for Florida v. Riley, 488 U.S. 445 (1989) Case Summary of Florida v. Riley: Police viewed Riley’s backyard greenhouse from a helicopter at 400 feet and saw what appeared to be marijuana.  After obtaining a warrant based on the observation, police searched Riley’s greenhouse and charged him with possession of marijuana. Following Riley’s motion, the trial […]

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California v. Carney

Following is the case brief for California v. Carney, 471 U.S. 386 (1985) Case Summary of California v. Carney: Respondent provided marijuana to a youth in exchange for sexual favors in respondent’s motor home.  Following the transaction, federal agents entered the motor home without consent or a warrant. Respondent unsuccessfully moved to suppress the marijuana evidence, and then pleaded no […]

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Atwater v. City of Lago Vista

Following is the case brief for Atwater v. City of Lago Vista, 532 U.S. 318 (2001) Case Summary of Atwater v. City of Lago Vista: Atwater was arrested for driving while neither she nor her children had seatbelts on.  The arresting officer’s treatment of her was humiliating. Atwater sued the City of Lago Vista, alleging a violation of the Fourth Amendment. […]

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