california vs. greenwood
Background
The police suspected BIlly Greenwood was dealing drugs at his house. Since they didnt have enough evidence for a warrant they seached his trash cans that he had left at the curb for the garbage truck. They found drugs in his trash cans and that was enough evidence to get the warrant. They then seached his house and found more illegal substances and then arrested him.
Constitutional Question
Did seaching his trash violate his rights stated in the 4th Amendment.
Lasting Effect
They said the trash can was unprotected because it was at the curbside on public streets. When its on public streets the trash can be accessed by anybody of the public. Police can not be expected to ignore criminal activity when its been observed by the public.
The police suspected BIlly Greenwood was dealing drugs at his house. Since they didnt have enough evidence for a warrant they seached his trash cans that he had left at the curb for the garbage truck. They found drugs in his trash cans and that was enough evidence to get the warrant. They then seached his house and found more illegal substances and then arrested him.
Constitutional Question
Did seaching his trash violate his rights stated in the 4th Amendment.
Lasting Effect
They said the trash can was unprotected because it was at the curbside on public streets. When its on public streets the trash can be accessed by anybody of the public. Police can not be expected to ignore criminal activity when its been observed by the public.