U.S. Cases

Question 1

U.S. v Dunn 1987

Answer 1

DEA agents observations in the open field of fenced barn

• 4 Factors determining open field or curtilage
  
  • proximity to home
  • enclosure that includes the home
  • nature and use of the area
  • steps taken by resident to protect from observation

Question 2

Terry v Ohio 1968

Answer 2

Detective detained 3 suspicious suspects

• officer seizes person when restrains from walking away
• frisking for weapons is a search
• officer must articulate facts that warrant such intrusion
• court allowed limited search for weapons based on reasonable suspicion articulated by officer

Question 3

Florida v Riley 1989

Answer 3

Helicopter observed grow house @400ft

• Naked eye observations at 400ft not a search
• There is no expectation of privacy from aircraft in public airspace

Question 4

Coolidge v New Hampshire 1971

Answer 4

Suspect’s wife surrendered weapons voluntarily while suspect was not home, linked suspect to murder
- Items were surrendered through private actions, not an illegal search or seizure

Question 5

Michigan v Long 1983

Answer 5

On a traffic stop, suspect wanted to return to his vehicle where officers saw a knife through the open door. Additional check revealed a forearm in the vehicle.

• Can officers conduct search of passenger compartments
• Yes if reasonably believe suspect is dangerous and there are weapons, search limited to areas where there could be a weapon

Question 6

Arizona v Gant 2009

Answer 6

Def. was arrested for suspended DL. His vehicle was searched and a gun a cocaine was discovered.
- Police may not search after subject is arrested and has no access to weapons or evidence, if not related to crime arrested for.

Question 7

Mincey v Arizona 1978

Answer 7

Drug raid resulted in an officer being shot and killed. Homicide detective held apartment and searched it for 4 days without a warrant.
- Search was unlawful, Murder scene exception no longer applied due to lack of exigent circumstances

Question 8

Thompson v Louisiana 1984

Answer 8

Wife shot and killed husband and attempted suicide by taking medications. Deputies responded found deceased male and unconscious female. 35 mins later detectives responded and searched residence for evidence.
- Discoveries from search not admissible, murder scene exception did not apply

Question 9

Rhode Island v Innis 1980

Answer 9

Suspect arrested for Robbery, invoked his rights. In route to station officers talked to them selves about the gun used in the crime could be found by a kid and get hurt. Def. asked to turn vehicle around to show officers where the gun was.
- court ruled it was not interrogation

Question 10

Miranda v Arizona 1966

Answer 10

Confession obtained was in violation of subjects 5th amendment rights

Established 4 warnings that must be given to persons before an interrogation

Question 11

New York v Quarles 1984

Answer 11

Contact was made with suspect with possible weapon in a grocery store. Suspect had an empty gun holster and officer asked where the gun was w/o advising Miranda.

• court ruled Miranda was not required due to threat to public safety