Coolidge vs. New Hampshire

Question 0

Issue

Answer 0

Whether the officers obtain the murder weapon and the clothing through an illegal search?

Question 1

Facts

Answer 1

Police went to the defendants house on January 28 to question him about murder. During inquiry he showed them three guns. Agreed to take a lie detector test on February 2. Test was inconclusive however admitted to theft. Other officers went to corroborate his admission at his house. Defendant not home. Wife agreed to speak to officers. Police asked about guns that might be in house. Defendants wife showed them 4 weapons that she offered to let them take. Police took the weapons one later determined to be murder weapon.

Question 2

Held

Answer 2

No the officers obtain this evidenced through private actions.

Question 3

Discussion

Answer 3

Fourth amendment controls governmental actions. The government exerted no effort to coerce or dominate the wife and was not obligated to refuse her offer to take the guns.