Thousands of court cases have addressed the question: Did the police act legally when entering a home, business, or car, and then performing a search? Learn about some of the most basic elements of law that make a police search legal or unlawful.
What Is the Patriot Act? How Can it Affect a Criminal Case?
Since just after 9/11, the U.S. government has greatly increased its surveillance of possible terrorist activity.
Understanding Search-and-Seizure Law
Learn when the government can invade your privacy to hunt for evidence of a crime.
Search Warrants: What They Are and When They're Necessary
When must the police obtain a warrant before searching your home or other property?
Search Warrants and Probable Cause
A search warrant is an order signed by a judge that authorizes police officers to search for particular objects or materials at a specified location and time. For example, a warrant may authorize the search of “the premises at 11359 Happy Glade Avenue between the hours of 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.,” and direct the police to search for and seize “cash, betting slips, record books, and every other means used in connection with placing bets on horse races and other sporting events.”
Cellphone Searches After Arrest
If police officers arrest you, they can search your pockets and the area within your immediate reach without a warrant. But what happens if the cops come across your iPhone or Android?