Opinion ID: 2041031
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Severity of the Interference

Text: The intrusions involved in most of these cases, a momentary stop and brief questioning, can be objectively regarded as modest. However, even the most limited seizure is constitutionally cognizable. Prouse, 440 U.S. at 661, 99 S.Ct. at 1400. Even though the stop in Brignoni-Ponce was similar to the one in Martinez-Fuerte, the Court found that the permanent checkpoint in the latter case was likely to be regarded by motorists as less intrusive. Roving patrols frequently operate at night, and their approach may frighten motorists, noted Justice Powell. However, the subjective intrusion at permanent checkpoints is minimal because motorists can see other vehicles stopped and visible signs of officers' authority. Martinez-Fuerte, 428 U.S. at 558, 96 S.Ct. at 3083. As for the degree of interference imposed upon the lawful motoring public, the Brignoni-Ponce Court found that dispensing with reasonable suspicion would subject every resident to potentially unlimited interference with their use of the highways... . 422 U.S. at 882, 95 S.Ct. at 2581. However, the Martinez-Fuerte Court found that the permanent checkpoint did not intrude similarly on lawful motorists because they ... know or may obtain knowledge of, the location of the checkpoints and will not be stopped elsewhere, and the checkpoints involve less discretionary enforcement. 428 U.S. at 559, 96 S.Ct. at 3083.