Document: 488 U.S. 445 109 S.Ct. 693 102 L.Ed.2d 835 FLORIDA, Petitioner,v.Michael A. RILEY. No. 87-764. Argued Oct. 3, 1988. Decided Jan. 23, 1989. Rehearing Denied April See 490 1014, 1659. Opinion on remand, 549 So.2d 673. Syllabus A Florida county sheriff's office received an anonymous tip that marijuana was being grown respondent's property. When investigating officer discovered he could not observe from ground level the contents of a greenhouse property—which enclosed two sides and obscured view other, open by trees, shrubs, nearby home—he circled twice over property in helicopter at height 400 feet made naked-eye observations through openings roof its what concluded were plants. After search pursuant to warrant obtained basis these revealed growing greenhouse, respondent charged with possession substance under law. The trial court granted his motion suppress evidence. Although reversing, State Court Appeals certified case Supreme question whether surveillance constituted "search" for which required Fourth Amendment. Answering affirmative, quashed Appeals' decision reinstated court's suppression order. Held: judgment is reversed. 511 282, (Fla.1987) Justice WHITE, joined THE CHIEF JUSTICE, SCALIA, KENNEDY, Amendment does require police traveling public airways altitude obtain order visible naked eye. California v. Ciraolo, 476 207, 106 1809, 90 210—which held inspection backyard house fixed-wing aircraft 1,000 "search"—is controlling. Thus, reasonably have expected protected or official air, since left greenhouse's partially open. fact irrelevant, since, as planes, private commercial flight routine. Nor, facts this case, it make difference purposes flying below 500 feet, Federal Aviation Administration's lower limit upon navigable airspace craft. Since FAA permits helicopters fly limit, here violating law, any member legally observed altitude. aerial house's curtilage may always pass muster simply because within specified there nothing record suggest are sufficiently rare anticipated would be Moreover, no evidence interfered normal use other parts curtilage, intimate details connected home observed, undue noise, wind, dust, threat injury. Pp. 449-452. O'CONNOR plurality's approach rests scope protection too heavily compliance regulations, intended promote air safety protect right secure against unreasonable searches seizures. Whether had reasonable expectation privacy observation depend where be, but, rather, members travel sufficient regularity one society prepared recognize "reasonable." Because reason believe considerable altitudes above, introduced contrary before state courts, must reasonable. However, than feet—particularly circling home—may such violate expectations privacy, despite regulations. 452-455. J., announced delivered opinion REHNQUIST, C.J., SCALIA JJ., joined. O'CONNOR, filed concurring judgment, post, p. 452. BRENNAN, dissenting opinion, MARSHALL STEVENS, joined, 456. BLACKMUN, 467. Parker D. Thomson, Miami, Fla., petitioner. Marc H. Salton, New Port Richey, respondent. WHITE KENNEDY join. 1 On certification court, addressed following question: "Whether interior covered residential vantage point located above constitutes 'search' Article I, § 12 Constitution." 282 (1987). answered we State's petition certiorari challenging conclusion. 484 1058, 108 1011, 98 977 (1988).1 2 Respondent Riley lived mobile five acres rural 10 20 behind home. Two enclosed. but surrounding corrugated roofing panels, some translucent opaque. At time relevant amounting approximately 10% area, missing. wire fence surrounded posted "DO NOT ENTER" sign. 3 This originated Pasco County Sheriff's see road, feet. With eye, able more identify thought structure. based observations, ensuing greenhouse. suppress; reversed Court, 4 We agree submission our 210 (1986), controls case. There, acting tip, inspected back-yard particular while eye officers saw they yard. strength airborne inspection, plants found. refused evidence, appellate violated Fourteenth Amendments United States Constitution, therefore invalid. turn reversed, holding subject recognized yard house, shielded street, occupant subjective privacy. held, however, "that honor." Id., 214, S.Ct., 1813. Our reasoning necessarily involves physical invasion. " 'What person knowingly exposes public, even own office, protection.' 213, 1812, quoting Katz States, 389 347, 351, 88 507, 511, 19 576 (1967). As general proposition, seen "from [they have] be," U.S., 1812. Thus police, like been free inspect garden street if their unobstructed. They likewise plane was. "In age routine, expect constitutionally eye." 215, 1813-1814. 5 arrive same conclusion present In surveyed doubt precautions took ground-level observation. open, viewing air. Under immune examination seated or, seemed recognize, aircraft. So.2d, 288. Here, helicopter, "private [by helicopter] routine" country, supra, 1813, indication flights unheard County, Florida.2 6 Nor us, when different law regulation. But bound limits allowed aircraft.3 Any Riley's did more. say will obvious importance us country lend claim Neither intimation curtilage. far reveals, circumstances, violation 7 accordingly 8 So ordered. 9 judgment. I concur reversing passing 'reasonable.' 361, 517, (1967) (Harlan, concurring). write separately, clarify standard follows (1986). my view, regulations whose purpose safety, "[t]he people persons, houses, papers, effects, seizures." Const., Amdt. 4. 11 Ciraolo involved airplane evaluating required, acknowledged doctrine: "The afforded essentially families personal area intimately linked home, both physically psychologically, most heightened." 212-213, activities extend, all barred observed: has never extended enforcement shield eyes thoroughfares." likened "public airspace" "passing "[i]n routine," Ciraolo's operating "right routine part modern life persons "helicopters aircraft," ante, 451, assume alone determines 'whether government's intrusion infringes societal values Amendment.' 212, 1812 (quoting Oliver 466 170, 182-183, 104 S.Ct.1735, 1743, 80 214 (1984)). decided can lawfully operate virtually so long pose hazard, follow "society 'reasonable' mirror FAA's concerns. 13 Observations very low perfectly analogous roads sidewalks. While cases legal occupy space made, situations comparable terms points should considered Public roads, those less traveled by, clearly demarked thoroughfares. Individuals who seek take precautions, tailored location avoid disclosing by. build tall fence, example, thus ensure enjoyment without risking road sidewalk. If do cannot contrast, individuals taken effective block off conceivable views outdoor patios yards entirely giving up areas. To completely cover enclose demand "precautions customarily seeking privacy." Rakas Illinois, 439 128, 152, 99 421, 435, 58 387 (1978) (Powell, conceivably angle, itself mean individual 14 determining observation, inquiry after Rather, consistent Katz, ask "one 516. Amendment,' Oliver, 1743), conclusive observe, plurality does, "[a]ny greenhouse." Ante, 451. often rarely, ever, travels overhead altitudes, said generally used "knowingly expose[d]" view. backyards 15 defendant bear burden proving one, meaning place. Cf. Jones 362 257, 261, 725, 731, 697 (1960) ("Ordinarily, then, proper seeks challenge legality suppressing allege, allegation disputed establish, himself victim invasion privacy"); Nardone 308 338, 341, 60 266, 267-268, 84 L.Ed. 307 (1939). 16 conclude one. that—particularly 17 whom join, dissenting. 18 holds today need probable cause investigate taking place walls safeguards seizures," tolerates security. * reads almost (1967), decided. Notwithstanding disclaimers final paragraph, relies exclusively conducted where, applicable Administration be. teaches, "violated [the defendant] justifiably relied," id., 353, 512—or, Harlan put it, "expectation . 516 (concurring opinion). result given depends ultimately "whether, form practiced permitted go unregulated constitutional restraints, amount freedom remaining citizens diminished compass inconsistent aims society." Amsterdam, Perspectives Amendment, Minn.L.Rev. 349, 403 (1974); also W. LaFave, Search Seizure 2.1(d), pp. 310-314 (2d ed.1987). undertakes into low-level "aims Instead, summarily concludes is, turn, solely craft federal fly. 21 agree, course, "[w]hat protection." 511. [an area] public" it. exceedingly grudging theory, defeated single position herself doing anything illegal. It whatever difficulty positioning herself, however infrequently anyone so. ignores essence Katz. why exposed little diminution "the citizens" something passerby readily sees. pretend, true peer high fences best, disingenuous. statistics about number registered seriously questioned enjoyed complete invaded surveillance? Is theoretical possibility (with means) hired looked relevance suffered serious loss security action? 22 might window deemed unprotected That belief traffic common inure observable high. Indeed, compared thoroughfares," thoroughfares "shield eyes." Seizing reference "where ha[d] ibid., today's professes find indistinguishable impose minimum requirement traffic; thus, be.1 23 curious notion reach largely defined administrative issued safety.2 still extent officer's act, consistently equate infringement Amendment.3 willingness end finds misguided fundamental reason. Finding determinative bottom, attempt analogize standing crime gap fence. situation, lack road—even if, fact, rarely way. 24 positioned not, road. citizen share. His ability depended expensive sophisticated piece machinery few ordinary access. circumstances makes sense rely skies judge constitutionality wiretap outside telephone booth. simple suffice, passersby retained lost surveillance. commonplace impossible emphatically saying 517 concurring).4 While, elevations elevation large step offers error enough. analysis beyond determination complied particularly unfortunate. II 25 Equally disconcerting meaningful holding. worth reiterating establishing set helicopters. difficult, therefore, what, any, run afoul rule exists 26 Only paragraph imposed regulations: 27 "Neither Amendment." 452.5 28 deal "intimate details" below. For rest, wonders believes injury "interfered curtilage," action inverse condemnation, about. Nowhere better stated WHITE's Camara Municipal 523, 528, 87 1727, 1730-1731, 930 (1967): basic countless decisions safeguard arbitrary invasions governmental officials." Marshall Barlow's, Inc., 436 307, 312, 1816, 1820, 56 305 (same); Schmerber California, 384 757, 767, 86 1826, 1833-1834, 908 (1966) ("The overriding function dignity unwarranted State"); Wolf Colorado, 338 25, 27, 69 1359, 1361, 93 1782 (1949) one's core ."), overruled grounds, Mapp Ohio, 367 643, 81 1684, 1081 (1961); Boyd 116 616, 630, 524, 532, 29 746 (1886) ("It breaking doors, rummaging drawers, offence; indefeasible ."). indeed restraints "safeguard individuals," then puzzling helicopter's dust provides measure infringed. Imagine capable hovering just courtyard patio generating all—and, good measure, posing Suppose employed miraculous tool discover only crops greenhouses, books reading dinner guests were. Suppose, finally, remained unchanged, undeniably be." Would continue assert seizures" infringed Yet logical consequence that, offended interferes spot. apply looking room viewable III 30 Perhaps remarkable passage suggestion [been] observed." What, wonders, meant details"? embracing wife infringed? Where imposing activity "intimate" Constitution? 31 difficult colored distaste engaged. easy forget, especially current concern drug trafficking, Amendment's disclosed illegal innocuous. dismiss "drug case" peril liberties. Frankfurter once noted "[i]t fair summary history liberty frequently forged controversies involving nice people," Rabinowitz, 339 56, 69, 70 430, 436, 94 653 (1950) (dissenting opinion), nowhere apt words criminal activity. principle enunciated imposes person, Constitution surveillance, hard how prohibit government spying law-abiding her fully patio. Professor Amsterdam eloquently written: you draw blinds commit crime. discipline ourselves every enter room, pain not." Minn.L.Rev., 403.6 IV 32 disagree O'CONNOR's concurrence, apart closing paragraphs. majority agrees rather rendered illusory 33 What separates me empirical matter concerning altitude, together resolve issue. think fail "there believe" "considerable" close earth "introduced courts." 455 (O'CONNOR, judgment). occasion application Davis' distinction between "adjudicative" "legislative" facts. Davis, An Approach Problems Evidence Administrative Process, 55 Harv.L.Rev. 364, 402-410 (1942); Advisory Committee's Notes Fed.Rule Evid. 201, U.S.C.App., 683-684. so, judicial notice occasional privately owned flies populated areas rarity limited approaching leaving airports reporting congestion near major roadways. And, concurrence agrees, 455, serve bootstrap demonstrate airspace. 34 If, issue considering appropriate party carried proof, again prevail. greater access information customary patterns coercive power ought brought unclear prosecution product unconstitutional, warrantless search, cf. Bumper North Carolina, 391 543, 548, 1788, 1791-1792, 797 (1968) (prosecutor consent search), proof properly defendant. quite burden.7 V 35 ultimately, "how tightly driven back recesses lives risk surveillance." 402. approves gives hope constitute four Justices remove barriers demands temper efforts apprehend criminals impact liberties methods use. colleagues sanction among described 40 years ago George Orwell's dread vision 1980's: 36 black-mustachio'd face gazed down commanding corner. There front immediately opposite. Big Brother Watching You, caption said. distance skimmed roofs, hovered instant bluebottle, darted away curving flight. Police Patrol, snooping people's windows." Nineteen Eighty-Four (1949). 37 Who read shudder, instinctive reaction depicts ours? respectfully dissent. 38 39 Like MARSHALL, answering "reasonable privacy" occur, lawful least much. becomes determine him, reasonableness depends, frequency nonpolice Again, agree. 41 How factual decided? BRENNAN suggests point. am wary approach. too, suspect American communities event convinced establish per se entire Nation suspicion alone. Coffin, Judicial Balancing, 63 N.Y.U.L.Rev. 16, (1988). 42 abandon intuition entirely. opinions "cf." citations, implicitly none prior tells absence precedent point, account estimation flights. 11.2(b), 228 ed. 1987) (burdens issues estimate probabilities involved). curtilages necessary show lacked occurred feet—in words, governed Court's 43 meet notes. failure compel finding occurred. gave parties guidance issue, remand allow opportunity burden. 44 manner. she burden, joins reverse outright Accordingly, reasons forth mentioned question, course finally concluding Constitution. bulk discussion, focused dealing "clearly expressly alternatively bona fide separate, adequate, independent grounds," jurisdiction. Michigan Long, 463 1032, 1041, 103 3469, 3476-3477, 77 1201 (1983). first York 1947, uses work. 1980, 1,500 E. Brown, Helicopter Civil Operations 79 (1981). More 10,000 helicopters, private, States. Administration, Census Aircraft, Calendar Year 1987, 12. 1988 Annual 9. And estimated 31,697 pilots. Statistical Handbook Aviation, 1986, 147. permit fixed-wing-aircraft operated congested surface areas, minimums "if operation hazard surface. addition, each shall comply routes specifically prescribed [FAA] Administrator." CFR 91.79 now states firm jurisprudence appeared 1812-1813, comment: "Nor mere measures restrict preclude renders visible. E.g., Knotts, 460 276, [103 1081, 1085-1086, 75 55] (1983)." derives officers' firmly planted ground. builds another, terrestrial applied consideration difference. means produces incredible result. Fixed-wing (1,000 areas), levels. n. 3. Therefore, turns helicopter. 1735, (1984), trespassed fenced land sanctions. interests vindicated identical served trespass. 183-184, 15, 1744, 15; Hester 265 57, 445, 68 898 (1924) (trespass "open fields" Amendment). Olmstead 277 438, 466-469, 48 564, 72 944 (1928), illegality yielded irrelevant admissibility. Olmstead, plain procured trespass irrelevant. Recently, Dow Chemical Co. 227, 239, 6, 1819, 1827, 226 declined consider trade-secret laws indicative toward adopted expressed Oregon Appeals: "We attraction idea using formulated defining citizens' designed safety." 51 Or.App. 827, 831, 627 P.2d 492, 494 Greenwood, 486 35, 54, 1625, 1636, 100 (1988) (BRENNAN, dissenting) unwelcome meddlers rummage containers negate Without actually stating difference, notes suggest" 400-foot justify 697. "in us" opposite, seems give pause. appears, determinative. White, 401 745, 789-790, 91 1122, 1144-1145, 453 (1971) dissenting): "By casting 'risk analysis' risks 'wrongdoers' 'one contemplating activities' bear, think, misses mark interest [protected Amendment] citizen, engaged conduct life, carry discourse freely, openly, spontaneously. Interposition 'wrongdoers,' throughout (1960), cited raise challenge. alleging ordinarily placed defendant, lie merits claim.

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