Knocking on Your Door: A Look at Payton v. New York

Knocking on Your Door: A Look at Payton v. New York

Have you ever heard the phrase “my home is my castle”? This concept is rooted in the Fourth Amendment’s protection against unreasonable searches and seizures. The landmark case of Payton v. New York (1980) is a prime example of how the Supreme Court safeguards this right. The Case: Theodore Payton was suspected of murder. The […]

Stop and Frisk: Understanding Terry v. Ohio

Stop and Frisk: Understanding Terry v. Ohio

Terry v. Ohio is a landmark Supreme Court case. The case established the legality of “stop and frisk,” a practice where police officers can briefly detain and pat down a suspect under specific circumstances.

Can the Police Pull You Over Without Reason? Michigan v. Sitz and Sobriety Checkpoints

Can the Police Pull You Over Without Reason?

Have you ever driven through one of those roadblocks where police check for drunk drivers? These are sobriety checkpoints, and a landmark Supreme Court case, Michigan Department of State Police v. Sitz (1990), determined their constitutionality. The Case: Stopping Drunk Drivers vs. Driver Rights In 1986, the Michigan State Police implemented sobriety checkpoints to tackle […]