Document: 466 U.S. 109 104 S.Ct. 1652 80 L.Ed.2d 85 UNITED STATES, Petitionerv.Bradley Thomas JACOBSEN and Donna Marie Jacobsen. No. 82-1167. Argued Dec. 7, 1983. Decided April 2, 1984. Syllabus During their examination of a damaged package, consisting cardboard box wrapped in brown paper, the employees private freight carrier observed white powdery substance innermost series four plastic bags that had been concealed tube inside package. The then notified Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), replaced tube, put back into box. When DEA agent arrived, he removed from saw powder, opened bags, trace subjected it to field chemical test, determined was cocaine. Subsequently, warrant obtained search place which package addressed, executed, correspondents were arrested. After respondents indicted for possessing an illegal with intent distribute, motion suppress evidence on ground product seizure denied, they tried convicted. Court Appeals reversed, holding validity depended warrantless test testing constituted significant expansion earlier search, required. Held: Fourth Amendment did not require obtain before powder. Pp. 113-126. (a) fact independently made might have impermissible Government cannot render unreasonable otherwise reasonable official conduct. Whether those employees' invasions respondents' accidental or deliberate unreasonable, they, because character, violate Amendment. additional privacy by must be tested degree exceeded scope search. 113-118. (b) agent's removal his visual inspection contents enabled him learn nothing previously learned during It infringed no legitimate expectation hence "search" within meaning Although assertion dominion control over its "seizure," since apparent contained contraband little else. In light what already knew about as if plain view. is constitutionally law enforcement officials seize "effects" support justifiable without based probable cause believe contain contraband. 118-122. (c) although exceeding unlawful "seizure" Governmental conduct can reveal whether cocaine, other arguably "private" fact, compromises interest. United States v. Place, 462 ----, 103 2637, 77 110 (1983). destruction powder course reasonable. interests justifying procedure substantial, whereas, only amount material involved property lawfully detained, could de minimis impact any protected Under these circumstances, safeguards would minimally advance interests. 122-125. 683 F.2d 296 (CA8 1982), reversed. David A. Strauss, Washington, D.C., petitioner. Mark W. Peterson, Minneapolis, Minn., respondents. Justice STEVENS delivered opinion Court. 1 substance, originally eight layers wrappings. They summoned federal agent, who question presented required so. 2 relevant facts are dispute. Early morning May 1, 1981, supervisor at Minneapolis-St. Paul airport Federal Express office asked manager look torn forklift. order examine pursuant written company policy regarding insurance claims. 3 container ordinary paper. Inside five six pieces crumpled newspaper covered 10 inches long; silver tape used basement ducts. cut open found zip-lock outermost enclosing three containing half ounces bag, Administration. Before first newspapers 4 box, still but hole punched side top open, placed desk. one end slit open; He each knife blade. A spot identified cocaine.1 5 due course, agents second rewrapped executed warrant, arrested crime denied; convicted, appealed. held agents' powder,2 1982). 6 As recognized, decision conflicted another court appeals comparable facts, Barry, 673 912 (CA6), cert. 459 238, 74 188 (1982).3 For reason, tests play important role narcotics laws, we granted certiorari, 460 1271, 75 493 7 * clause provides "right people secure persons, houses, papers effects, against searches seizures, shall violated. . ." This text protects two types expectations, involving "searches," "seizures." occurs when society prepared consider infringed.4 there some meaningful interference individual's possessory property.5 has also consistently construed this protection proscribing governmental action; wholly inapplicable "to seizure, even one, effected individual acting participation knowledge official." Walter States, 447 649, 662, 100 2395, 2404, 65 410 (1980) (BLACKMUN, J., dissenting).6 8 parcel case carrier, unquestionably "effect" Letters sealed packages general class effects public large privacy; such presumptively unreasonable.7 Even government may prevent loss suspected contraband, requires examining package.8 Such characterized simply because, after invasion occurred, discovered.9 Conversely, unreasonable. reasonableness citizen's appraised basis existed time occurred. 9 initial occasioned action. Those revealed item, suspicious looking tube. Cutting extracting bag deliberate,10 character. That standard adopted majority (1980). party misdirected carton, rolls picture films appeared turned carton Bureau Investigation. Later, obtaining FBI projector viewed films. While single Court, agree appropriate analysis follows heels one. Two Justices took position: 11 "If properly authorized limited particular terms authorization, least same kind strict limitation applied use party's person's privacy. though circumstances—for example, results view materials Government—may justify Government's reexamination materials, surely exceed unless right make independent cases, actually Prior screening draw inferences projection conducted therefore separate search." Id., 657, S.Ct., 2401 (opinion STEVENS, joined Stewart, J.) (footnote omitted).11 12 Four Justices, while disagreeing characterization legality antecedent 13 "Under L'Eggs so fully ascertained nature contacting authorities, find FBI's subsequent viewing movies 'change search' subject requirement." 663-664, 2405-2406 dissenting, BURGER, C.J., POWELL REHNQUIST, JJ.) omitted) (quoting Sanders, 592 788, 793-794 (CA5 1979), rev'd sub nom. (1980)).12 14 applicable parties kinds information authorities. well-settled reveals another, assumes risk confidant will does prohibit information. Once frustration original occurs, now-nonprivate information: "This repeatedly third conveyed assumption purpose confidence betrayed." Miller, 425 435, 443, 96 1619, 1624, 48 71 (1976).13 implicated authorities respect frustrated. relied effect act warrant.14 15 case, steps: first, bag; second, ultimately conclude both actions essentially useful discuss them separately. II 16 scene initially significance except and, ultimately, entirely clear visible box.15 itself "plain view" enclosed many containers papers, virtual certainty else manual tell anything more than told. Respondents do dispute utilize testimony concerning If hardly reexamine brushing aside picking up advantage gained thereby merely avoiding flaw recollection, rather further infringing Protecting misdescription enhances interest, Amendment.16 interest remained unsealed just examined had, own accord, invited offices express contents. freely available See Coolidge New Hampshire, 403 487-490, 91 2022, 2048-2050, 29 564 (1971); Burdeau McDowell, 256 465, 475-476, 41 574, 576, L.Ed. 1048 (1921). 17 Similarly, search.17 18 constitute "seizure,"18 that, prior largely compromised, highly respect. great deal employees, all consistent see. itself, opened, unsealed, longer like balloon "the distinctive character [of which] spoke volumes contents, particularly trained eye officer," Texas Brown, 1535, 1545, 502 (1983) (plurality opinion); see id., 1543 (POWELL, concurring judgment); hypothetical gun Arkansas 442 753, 764-765, n. 13, 99 2586, 2593-2594, 61 235 (1979). seized, temporarily, warrant.19 Accordingly, else, reasonable,20 contraband.21 III 19 remains intrusion 20 issue disclose unknown agent—whether more, sugar talcum We determine considered Amendment—did infringe reasonable? 21 concept recognize is, very nature, critically different mere expectation, however well justified, certain come attention authorities.22 Indeed, distinction underlies rule voluntarily disclosed informant, despite criminal's associates confidential White, 401 745, 751-752, 1122, 1125-1126, 28 453 (1971) opinion). 22 discloses cocaine compromise conclusion dependent result test. probably safe assume virtually under circumstances record positive finding; compromised. But negative—merely disclosing something cocaine—such special Congress decided—and power so—to treat "privately" illegitimate; thus interest.23 23 dictated (1983), subjecting luggage "sniff test" detection dog Amendment: "A 'canine sniff' well-trained dog, however, opening luggage. expose noncontraband items remain hidden view, does, officer's rummaging through Thus, manner investigative technique much less intrusive typical Moreover, sniff presence absence narcotics, item. tells luggage, limited." 2644.24 24 Here, likelihood seems too remote characterize 25 concluded, Part II, supra, Nevertheless, Place holds, lawful inception nevertheless execution unreasonably infringes Amendment's prohibition "unreasonable seizures."25 affect Amendment, destroying quantity converted temporary deprivation permanent To assess conduct, "[w]e balance quality importance alleged intrusion." 2642.26 26 Applying substantial; involved, appears gone unnoticed respondents, could, most, Cf. Cardwell Lewis, 417 583, 591-592, 94 2464, 2469-2470, 325 (1974) opinion) (examination automobile's tires taking paint scrapings constitutional interests).27 reasonable.28 27 sum, frustrated extent infringed, infringement judgment Reversed. WHITE, part judgment. 30 relatively easy me concur my should judged Magistrate's finding "tube tube." App. Pet. Cert. 18a. challenged District unnecessary pass issue. 12a-13a. I understand opinion, accepted finding: "placed leaving tube's end, box"; later gave "removed out extracted sample powder." 296, 297 At least, assumed proceeded extension invalidated solely reason. 31 Particularly argue here arrived irrelevant see, e.g., Brief 25, 11; Tr. Oral Arg. 28, proceed On basis, Court's erred type violated 32 read Appeals' having finding. refuses scene, conducts record, devotes major portion discussion Magistrate. holds bags' "infringed 'search' Amendment" "enabled Ante, 120 omitted). disagree approach several reasons. 33 First, said, abandoned attack findings; assert warrant. short, challenge reliance left searchers, contend rights duplication necessitated condition searchers returned better decide Magistrate rejected Appeals, leave day duplicated 34 Second, feels concluding believes errs responding challenge. task reviewing findings belongs instance. request perform function, sustained, need address difficult decided today. therefore, remand rejecting invalidating 35 Third, uncover unwrap remove done remainder 36 governing principles afforded closed readily discerned our cases. proposed distinctions between worthy unworthy packages, Ross, 456 798, 815, 822-823, 102 2157, 2171-2172, 72 572 (1982); Robbins California, 420, 425-426, 101 2841, 2845-2846, 69 744 (1981) opinion), owner every conceals unmistakably U.S., 2171-2172; 427-428, 2846-2847 764, 2593, law-enforcement officers sometimes pending issuance warrants 2641, (1983); 1547, (STEVENS, judgment), existence contains plainly 114; 809-812, 2164-2166; 762, 2592; Chadwick, 433 8, 97 2476, 2485, 53 538 (1977). 37 well-established notwithstanding police cause. now sanctions whenever exists declares, inspections following long done. reaching conclusion, excessively expands decisions recognizing proscribes (1921); (1971). 38 observes, "is 'to official.' " 113 dissenting)). Where exposed fail avert eyes. 489, 2049. 39 private-search doctrine common plain-view doctrine, "grounded proposition once position observe item first-hand, owner's lost Illinois Andreas, 463 3319, 3324, 1003 (emphasis added). shares doctrinal underpinnings cases establishing authorities," (1976), analogy imperfect risks person whose belongings chooses secrets companion. 40 Undoubtedly, "that unreasonable." 114-115. repository personal searched never legitimize unwilling unable rely provided incriminating wish duplicate first-hand related reported. clearly give authorizing actions. Nothing previous suggests, lesser 660-662, 2403-2404 (WHITE, judgment). heavily relies opining "[t]he search," ante, 115, conclusion. STEVENS' language suggesting free searchers. decision, himself recognized [the films]," 9, 2402, emphasizing "[e]ven re-examination Nor BLACKMUN'S dissent necessarily today's holding, emphasized "clearly contents," 663, 2405; 665, 2406, 42 Today's supported majority's reference transmission privy 117-118. may, sure, confidences establish purposes, testify trial violating intimated until stores location acquaintance betrays 43 That, believe, opinion. breaks locked suitcase, car, house, observes information, returns object condition, reports police, apparently allow vitiated observed, rest subjective altered events unaware. 659, 12, 2403 12. 44 ignores expectations suggests occurred." 115. remaining turn 2405, 2406 dissenting). announces government's constitutes independent, 2404 45 troubling considers logical implications. hard-pressed distinguish involves (1) knowledge, communicated government, arose sealed; (2) presence; (3) conversations owner. today seem suggest strength 46 Because accept novel implications entire privacy, 47 BRENNAN, whom MARSHALL joins, dissenting. presents questions: container's informed nature; legitimately located substance. treatment issues, respectfully dissent. 49 WHITE expanded reach far beyond bounds. 127-133 how said officer visible, unclear employee showed officer, factfinding central 50 noted, am persuaded came upon accordingly, Since so, question, assuming, arguendo, committed neither unconstitutional nor point 51 hypothesized reasons: innocently; identity able identify certainty, third, minute reached broader ground, relying factors alone search; providing information; fact. 52 asserts "conclusion Place," 123, stated "canine sniff" piece "discloses item." 2644, Presumably, premise canine briefed addressed courts below. defendant's impermissibly BLACKMUN pointed time, [was] certainly ramifications issue." 2644-45. Nonetheless, concluded sui generis. aware content procedure. Therefore, investigation intended pursue here—exposure respondent's place, canine—did Amendment." 54 turns out, imagination criminal techniques proved sophisticated, year defining characteristics led 55 continuing along hastily charted prudent take opportunity—in real opportunity—to new jurisprudence. taught us contemporary methods, analyze redefined term exclude broad surveillance techniques. demonstrates correct dictum dangerously incorrect. More important, reasoning fundamentally misguided potentially lead development odds embodied 56 requirements apply "searches" "seizures," falls category employed cause, regardless surrounding use. prohibitions not, preconceived conceptions seizure; instead modern developments according fundamental embodies. Katz 389 347, 88 507, 576 (1967). Amsterdam, Perspectives 58 Minn.L.Rev. 349, 356 (1974). excluding none excluded threatens areas security protect. 57 What most startling interpretation "search," exclusive focus sought technique, context concealed. Combining blanket assumption, implicit explicit individuals possession, adopts possesses true identifies precise seizing matter, foreclosed consideration used, paved way technology override limits area investigation. 59 release cocaine-sensitive paraphrase California Appeal, connoisseur"—to roam streets random, alerting carrying People Evans, Cal.App.3d 924, 932, 134 Cal.Rptr. 436, 440 Or, device developed aimed person, detect instantaneously bar, approach, setting street corner scanning passersby. unbounded detect, outside building, inside, obstacle cruising residential neighborhood using homes drug present. suggested pursued wherever desire. Hence, future, stands theory today, warrants, "reasonable suspicion" become notions past. Fortunately, know precedents overruling "trespass" Goldman 316 129, 62 993, 86 1322 (1942), Olmstead 277 438, 564, 944 (1928), ready Orwellian world coming pass. 60 accepts, must, intrudes reasonable, 113, omitted considerations always guided area. determining violated, looked concealed, Thus physical items, framed normally attends legitimacy expectation. (1977), "no locks doors home intruders, possessions [by locking footlocker] 11, 2483. Our observation "[b]y placing double-locked footlocker, manifested examination." Ibid. 822, 2171, (1982), where "Fourth view." indeed usually analysis. electronic eavesdropping focused conversation stating "[w]hat knowingly exposes protection. seeks preserve private, accessible public, protected." 351-352, 511-512. Again, alter Payton York, 445 573, 1371, 63 639 (1980), reaffirmed principle harbor fugitive. attempted intrude substantial justification. And upheld "those extensive intrusions significantly jeopardize sense paramount concern liberties." 786, 1143, (Harlan, adopting suggestion veered away sound would-be doing, ignored "[a] prosecuted violation Constitution brings light." Byars 273 29, 248, 249, 520 (1927). unfortunate departure precedent undifferentiated allowing rein utilizing range present location. rendered accuracy intrudes. Furthermore, leaves room randomly selectively, implicates concerns. LaFave, Search Seizure § 2.2(f). activity life conventional techniques, intrude. domain container, Surely dissipates sophisticated employed. 64 say bearing inquiry. few exceptions isolated exist "balancing [of] entails." Camara Municipal 387 523, 537, 87 1727, 1735, 930 Hence be, given renders employment "reasonable" 2653, judgment) ("a justified situation Terry"). inquiry enough method attending procedures, continue governed B depends inquiry, turn, primarily intrusion. locate shield item's scrutiny key employ supporting technologically dog. 66 Upon isolation, abstract, possible keep identity. instance, kept transparent pharmaceutical vial disguised medicine. However, above, 134, particular, sent via Express. inconceivable legal packaged transport carrier. Express, "virtual certainty"; visible. 1547 violative described evidence, tubes. liquids sequence colors. substances. hold results; recited application, almost tests, unlawful. "It elementary passing brought magistrate's attention." Spinelli 393 410, 413, 3, 89 584, 587 637 (1969) original) Aguilar Texas, 378 108, 109, 84 1509, 1511 723 (1964)). Gates, 2317, 2331, 76 527 Adler, N.Y.2d 730, 409 N.E.2d 888, 431 N.Y.S.2d 412, 449 1014, 473 (1980); cf. Andrews, 618 646 (CA10) (upholding discussion), 824, 84, 3323, Knotts, 1081, 1085, Smith Maryland, 735, 739-741, 2577, 2579-2580, 220 (1979); Terry Ohio, 392 1868, 1873, 889 (1968). 2649 (BRENNAN, result); 13-14, 2484-2485, (1977); Hale Henkel, 201 43, 76, 370, 379, 652 (1906). discussed definition oft-repeated Amendment—meaningful interference, brief, freedom movement. Michigan Summers, 452 692, 696, 2587, 2590, 340 (1981); Reid Georgia, 448 440, *, 2752, 2753, 890 (per curiam); Mendenhall, 446 544, 551-554, 1870, 1875-1877, 497 J.); Brown 443 47, 50, 2640, 357 Brignoni-Ponce, 422 873, 878, 95 2574, 2578, 607 (1975); Cupp Murphy, 412 291, 294-295, 93 2000, 2003-2004, 900 (1973); Davis Mississippi, 394 721, 726-727, 1394, 1397-1398, 676 (1969); 16, 19, 1879, 656, 660-661, Janis, 428 433, 455-456, 31, 3021, 3032-3033, 1046 (1976); 10, 2482, Van Leeuwen, 397 251, 90 1029, 1031, 282 (1970); Ex parte Jackson, 727, 733, Otto 877 (1878); Walter, 654-655, 2400-2401 J.). See, 2164-2166, 426, 2845, 2592, 2485 (1970). There exception customs searches; case. Whiteley Warden, 560, 567, 1036, 306 Wong Sun 371 471, 484, 83 407, 415, 441 (1963); Rios 364 253, 261-262, 1431, 1436-1437, 1688 (1960); Henry 361 98, (1959); Miller 301, 312, 78 1190, 1197, 1332 (1958); Di Re, 332 581, 595, 68 222, 228, 92 210 (1948); post-trial affidavit indicates damage lower involvement relevance decide. 658-659, 2402-2403 (footnotes ("The cartons unexpectedly shipment consignee consignor's part. strip unfrustrated protection."). disagreement dissenters comparison agreement evaluating relationship searches. 743-744, 2581-2582, 749-753, 1124-1126, Osborn 385 323, 326-331, 429, 431-433, (1966); Hoffa 293, 300-303, 408, 412-414, 374 Lewis 206, 424, 312 Lopez 373 427, 437-439, 1381, 1387-1388, Lee 343 747, 753-754, 967, 971-972, 1270 (1952). Henry, 264, 272, 2183, 2187, 115 Caceres, 741, 744, 750-751, 1465, 1467, 1470-1471, 733 (1967); Berger 388 41, 1040 Silverman 365 505, 81 679, 734 (1961). Daniel Stegemoller, manager, testified suppression hearing reentering arrived. 42-43; 58. points magistrate were, picked peered small aperture; then, translucent barely eyes," post, 130. event, filed objections report declined resolve objection, ruling immaterial assuming purposes gray seen agents." trial, pulled 71-72. 2-3. clear, matter loose Osborn, (1963), wrote: "Stripped essentials, petitioner's argument amounts saying flaws memory, credibility being beset corroborating evidence. accurate version memory. think petitioner offering bribe fairly included offer accurately reproduced court. 439, 1388 reject WHITE's indistinguishable owner, which, unconstitutional. possession contents; compromised integrity container. fortuity communication inspect it, create exist. powder's visibility naked Contrary suggestion, "sanction[ ] Post, 119. searched, 426-427, Both custody entrusted exert thing Walter. 428-428, 2846-2847, concede Therefore seized Some seizures articulable suspicion activity. 2641; 1541 587, 1380, G.M. Leasing Corp. 429 338, 354, 619, 629, 530 Harris 390 234, 236, 992, 1067 (1968) curiam). "Obviously, 'legitimate' means discovered. burglar plying trade summer cabin off season thoroughly recognizes 'legitimate.' His presence, words Jones [v. 362 257, 267, 725, 734, 697 (1960) ], 'wrongful,' 'reasonable.' 361, 516 concurring). would, tautological fall notion depend deciding exclusionary-rule issues Legitimation source either concepts understandings permitted society." Rakas Illinois, 439 128, 143-144, 421, 430-431, (1978). (use beeper track car's movements privacy); (1979) pen register phone numbers dialed privacy). Loewy, Device Innocent, Mich.L.Rev. 1229 discussion, confined purely article distributed commerce illegitimate. Stanley 557, 1243, 542 (1969). attempt arguing Place's unlike here. quotation makes reason items. rationale "dog became length unduly intruded 2645. Long, 3469, 3479, 1201 Delaware Prouse, 648, 654, 1391, 1396, 660 20-21, 1879-1880, (1968); 536-537, 1734-1735, detected loss. description "[i]t amount." 75. 2004, (1973) (warrantless scraping suspect's fingernails full be). 2644-2645 (approving brief minimal intrusiveness belief contraband); Leeuwen 252-253, 1032-1033, (1970) (detention detention "significant interest"). Of exigent circumstances. Steagald 451 204, 1642, Dunaway 200, 2248, 824 suggest, An arbitrary "white powder" finds neighbor's bowl, medicine cabinet, work seizure.

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