Techdirt. – Appeals Court Says St. Louis County’s Warrantless Arrests Are Likely Unconstitutional… But Somehow Still Pretty Much OK

Law enforcement needs probable cause to effect arrests and engage in searches. In most cases, a warrant is also required. It’s a bit of paperwork that allows the government to bypass Fourth Amendment protections to serve the greater good, i.e., the invasion of privacy (a search) or the removal of personal freedom (an arrest).
For far too many cops, obtaining a warrant is a hassle they’d rather not deal with, even if it’s rarely an actual hassle. So, they find ways to route around this rights-related roadblock. Drug dogs are called to scenes so an animal can tell cops it’s ok to engage in a search. Pretextual stops use real or perceived traffic infractions as fishing licenses…

External feed Read More at the Source: https://www.techdirt.com/2022/11/08/appeals-court-says-st-louis-countys-warrantless-arrests-are-likely-unconstitutional-but-somehow-still-pretty-much-ok/