Document: 338 U.S. 160 69 S.Ct. 1302 93 L.Ed. 1879 BRINEGARv.UNITED STATES. No. 12. Argued Oct. 18, 19, 1948. Decided June 27, 1949. Rehearing Denied 10, See 70 31. Mr. Irvine E. Ungerman, Tulsa, Okl., for petitioner. Stanley M. Silverberg, Washington, D.C., respondent. Justice RUTLEDGE delivered the opinion of Court. 1 Brinegar was convicted importing intoxicating liquor into Oklahoma from Missouri in violation federal statute which forbids such importation contrary to laws any state.1 His conviction based par on use evidence against him seized his automobile course alleged unlawful importation. 2 Prior trial moved suppress this as having been secured through an search and seizure.2 The motion denied, a renewal objection at trial. 3 Court Appeals affirmed conviction, 10 Cir., 165 F.2d 512, certiorari sought solely ground that seizure contravened Fourth Amendment therefore vitiated conviction. We granted writ determine question. 333 841, 68 662, 92 1125. 4 facts are substantially undisputed. At about six o'clock evening March 3, 1947, Malsed, investigator Alcohol Tax Unit, Creehan, special investigator, were parked car beside highway near Quapaw Bridge northeastern Oklahoma. point five miles west Missouri-Oklahoma line. drove past headed Ford coupe. Malsed had arrested months earlier illegally transporting liquor; seen loading or truck Joplin, Missouri, least two occasions during preceding months; knew have reputation hauling liquor. As passed, recognized both Ford. He told who driving officers' car, driver passing car. Both agents later testified but not especially its rear end, appeared be 'heavily loaded' 'weighted down with something.' increased speed he passed officers. They gave chase. After pursuing mile top speed, they gained skidded curve, sounded their siren, overtook him, crowded side road by pulling across front it. one leading toward Vinita, Oklahoma, Brinegar's home. 5 got out walked back petitioner, said, 'Hello, Brinegar, how much you car?' 'How time?' Petitioner replied, 'Not too much,' so much.' further questioning admitted twelve cases case, seat, visible outside petitioner it covered lap robe. Twelve more w re found under behind seat. then placed arrest 6 district judge, after hearing stated above evidence, 'the mere fact defendant engaged whiskey, even coupled statement weighted, would probable cause car.' Therefore, thought, there no when began held, however, voluntary admission made stopped constituted search, regardless legality detention, admissible. trial, has court overruled petitioner's objection. 7 Appeals, judge dissenting, took essentially view held District dissenting thought statements could justify search. 8 crucial question is whether arrest, light prior adjudications problem, particularly Carroll v. United States, 267 132, 45 280, 543, 39 A.L.R. 790, face most closely approximates situation presented here.3 9 decision that, Amendment, valid vehicle moving public may without warrant, only if exists.4 went rule amounted involved. 160, 287. In case three prohibition state officer searched defendants' Detroit Grand Rapids, Michigan, quantity discovered About before defendants another man called apartment Rapids and, unaware dealing agents, agreed sell noticed Oldsmobile roadster men came license number. Presumably because official capacity proposed purchaser suspected defendants, never delivered. 11 week same while patrolling between lookout violations National Prohibition Act, proceeding direction roadster. followed some distance lost trace them. Still later, occasion officers highway, met roadster, going Rapids. Recognizing turned around, pursued them, them sixteen carried. 12 This ruled information agent , together judicially 'one active centers introducing country spirituous liquors distribution interior,' page 287, I. 13 Obviously basic constitute very similar here. each warrant charged enforcing statutes outlawing transportation (except conditions complied with).5 instance discharge duty. And stopping starting pursue recent personal contact observation, lately illicit dealings.6 Finally, identified known source supply illegal market, circumstances indicating other purpose than carry adventure.7 14 These ultimate facts. Necessarily concrete, subordinate grounded differed somewhat detail. important variations details proof follows: 15 agent's knowledge primary accused running derived offer here largely Malsed's reinforced hearsay; bargained saw number whereas shown record; judicial notice international boundary center interior, ready place likely market observation experience well common knowledge. 16 Treating first latter less matters, positive undisputed concerning identification Ford, we think significance whatever attaches, purposes distinguishing cases, recalled offending record discloses like recollection. 17 Likewise impossible distinguish reference relating supply, destination consequently probability operators usi g connecting business. 18 There legal factual differences situations. Under review whole nation legally dry. Not manufacture, importation, sale prohibited throughout country. now law brought forbidden. 19 located Canada become bringing interior. pertinent connection circumstances, showing acted carrying traffic. 20 shows used direct merely hearsay seems suggested, within months. It also home apprehended traveling Joplin four 21 supply. But unlike source. So far appears, purchases entirely legal. so, assume present purposes, until reached crossed line 22 difference, insubstantial. For thing supply; rather ready, convenient persons disposed violate statutes. That demonstrated fully, geographic facts, testimony dispensing establishments procuring whiskey. Such lacking Detroit, reason resorted commonly deficiency. testimony, dispensed necessity case. 23 bearing different. Broadly taken State populous region. From know, knew, 'dry' state. time forbade states, except permit generally procurable8 pretense attempted secure. fact, 'wet' status location close line, affords natural inclined ply trade. hence using forbidden transportation, certainly strong these respects case.9 24 potential distinction, namely, engaging running, activities established quite effectively did bargaining liquor, larger quantities normal consumption, once period several resulted indictment pending Moreover instantly coupe police Vinita short inside 25 All Wholly apart bore general being convincing activity, offered undisputed, admissible issue cause, clearly establishes good believing regularly dealing. 26 Notwithstanding detail, therefore, furnishes support indeed stronger respects, sustain aggregate identical all substantial material Nothing detail basis undermining sufficient cases. Each together, fully substantiated proof. Accordingly must control situation, unless overruled. 27 true, although including opinion, court, 'that investigators reasonable trustworthy incriminating lead discreet prudent believe transported coupe, search.' 514. If, think, indistinguishable continue force, necessarily follows quoted 'finding' 'conclusion' erroneous.10 absence significant difference n cannot Amendment's incidence turns different judges draw conclusions insufficient cause. II. 28 remains consider asserted do admissibility inadmissibility making running. 29 argued can distinguished rested wholly surmise hearsay. argument disproved set forth above. hearsay, more. Indeed, emphasized, observations themselves, reputation, conclusion character operations. 30 distinction upon asserted. said though suppress, excluded Cf. Michelson 335 469, 213. inference should received motion. event drawn factors here, proving guilt deprive sufficiency show 31 Apart failure take account disclosed excluded, so-called places unwarranted emphasis criterion prove accused's guilt, relied emphasis, goes confusing disregarding required criminal what approaches requiring (if does practical effect require) establish order substantiate existence large things proved, tribunals quanta modes 32 variety reasons elating probative value trustworthiness, possible prejudicial jury opportunity cross-examination, accepted rules throw many exclusionary protections standing crime. Much real considerations irrelevant weight relevant misunderstanding misuse jury. 33 Thus, properly cf. 213, th t resulting done perhaps indictment, value. Yet where determined jury.11 34 court's rulings, admitting, excluding neither inconsistent nor improper. illustrate standards latitude allowed distinct issues guilt. Guilt proved beyond doubt confined long common-law tradition, extent embodied Constitution, crystallized consistent standard. historically rights our system, developed safeguard dubious unjust convictions, forfeitures life, liberty property. 35 However, those applicable determining seizure, involving vehicles commission crime, few situations officer, protecting interest law, effective action end.12 Those seldom applied.13 36 name implies, deal probabilities technical; everyday life men, technicians, act. standard accordingly correlative proved. 37 'The substance definitions' 'is belief guilt.' McCarthy De Armit, 99 Pa. 63, 69, approval opinion. 161, 288, 790. 'means condemnation' Marshall, C.J., century ago Locke Cranch 339, 348, 364. Since Marshall's time, rate,14 come mean bare suspicion: Probable exists (the officers') reasonably (are) themselves caution that' offense committed. 162, 790.15 38 long-prevailing seek citizens rash unreasonable interferences privacy unfounded charges give fair leeway community's protection. Because confront executing duties ambiguous, room mistakes part. acting sensibly probability. practical, nontechnical conception affording best compromise accommodating often opposing interests. Requiring unduly hamper enforcement. To allow leave law-abiding mercy whim caprice. troublesome posed suspicion act judgment formed particular circumstances. No problem searching either involve freedom highways swiftly contraband, unmolested investigation movements. citizen given sort activity entitled proceed way interference.16 recently repeatedly f rbidden area usual operations immunity, intercepts region knows makes interception indicate suspect legitimate affairs. 40 mean, assumed, every traveler along whim, caprice suspicion.17 lay border carefully considered resolved concluding intercepted action. say wrong, consistency overridden. Nor, find 41 affirmed. 42 Affirmed. 43 MURPHY dissents. 44 BURTON, concurring. I join 46 Whether necessary existed government caught up clear, lower courts found, existed. If point, begun lawful crime presence arresting officers, precisely fact. ensuing subsequent denial obtained sustained. 47 my necessary, colloquy. events, recited Court, disclose ample grounds chase interrogation manner adopted. quickly indisputable arrest. view, events justified steps imposed duty investigate further, alertness proper prompt inquiries investigations prevention enforcement possible. Government commissioned represent interests requires affirmative investigation. increasingly true directly agent. Prompt discover but, still interrupt prevent damaging consequences. 48 moment heavily laden evidently en route justifying calling rapidly cumulative force. occurred tended lessen reasonableness original committed presence. make duty, suggested itself When response above, immediate contraband indicated might there. thus justifiable presence, detection offenders performance last. halted offender. 49 JACKSON, dissenting. 50 promulgated philosophy Constitution 'a preferred position,' Murdock Pennsylvania, 319 105, 115, dissent 166, 63 870, 876, 882, 87 1292, 146 81; Saia New York, 334 558, 562, 1148, 1150, 1574, agreed. constitutional position relegating others deferred position; firsts thereby establishing seconds. Indications wanting freedoms tacitly marked secondary rights, relegated position. 51 states: right people secure persons, houses, papers, effects, searches seizures, shall violated, Warrants issue, supported Oath affirmation, describing searched, seized.' 52 These, protest, second-class belong catalog indispensable freedoms. Among deprivations none cowing population, crushing spirit individual putting terror heart. Uncontrolled weapons arsenal arbitrary government. need briefly dwelt worked among possessed admirable qualities deprived know human personality deteriorates dignity self-reliance disappear homes, d possessions subject hour unheralded police. 53 seizures difficult protect. chief invaders, court. 54 Only occasional flagrant abuses attention courts, yields sufficiently compromised indicted. raid home, office, stop nothing incriminating, invasion innocent finds redress. be, am convinced are, homes automobiles turn made, nothing, hear. 55 Courts protect invasions indirectly medium frequently guilty. Federal method spite unfortunate consequences enforcement, not. inconsistency disturb me, local excesses amenable political correction, directed new centralized government, really dangerous threat liberties look exclusion prosecutions means extending protection central government's agencies. regarded Everyman. 56 remember privilege sustain, interpret apply will push limit. remember, too, differs invoke advance example, interference press, free speech, religion, usually suppressions go obtain injunction. Other impartial aid counsel, supervisory power themselves. just compensation taking private property vindicated terms money. 57 single incident, perpetrated surprise, conducted haste, kept purposely supervision limited moderation whose own records stake injunction appeal disinterested intervention. citizen's choice quietly submit undertake resist risk violence. 58 authority concede conduct exercised unfit ruthless fit responsible, petty misdemeanors gravest felonies. 59 With prologue Brinegar. 'effects' express Amendment. Undoubtedly presents peculiar problems agencies, facility perpetration escape criminals. exceptions reasons, me depend e gravity offense. assume, child kidnaped roadblock neighborhood outgoing drastic undiscriminating unable candidly strive hard action, executed fairly faith, travelers indignity save threatened detect vicious strain universal salvage bottles bourbon catch bootlegger. 60 sustains application regard extension already blanket cars suspicion. confine ways expand expansive automobiles. 61 place, national legislation put congressional violation. voluntarily matter policy, holding Act Congress unconstitutional.1 62 A second showed below later) indistinguishable, emerges decisions: permitted convinced, holds require finding shift permissive mandatory inconsiderable significance. While sustained emphatically dec ined dispense said: 'It intolerable authorized chance lawfully inconvenience Travelers crossing self- entering identify himself in, belongings effects in. country, highways, passage interruption competent official, merchandise.' 132 153, 285. 64 Analysis setting color meaning differ essential respects. 65 companion, meet officials, understanding customers promised deliver $130 deliver, trafficking Also, noted learned bootleggers business 66 Then whence Carroll, stopped, coming, boundary, spiritous interior.' provided foundation summed 67 partners combination night tried furnish whisky part firm equipment. coming great stock plied believed doubt, equally clear thinking so.' 288. rely almost exclusively negotiations buy members circumstance subjected contrast, rests inferences trial: One, appears previously charge. appear former event, occasion. inference, r putation runner. weakness revealed contrasting one. unwise enough open offering testimony. Greer 245 559, 560, 209, 210, 469. 71 inadmissible weighing surprised alone, vital little indication law. twice, September 30, town lawful, truck, all. draws below, familiar presume conditions, refused draw, viz., unlawfully away. not, anybody time. foggy reasoning obliged conduct. 72 wrong off deficiency supplied followed. speeds participated, wayfarers, ditched defendant's initial committing completely lawless unjustifiable intended unquestioned, minds exactly done, rightfully, warrant. lacked technically form coercion duress authority-and formidable type that. 73 course, contend officials halting Regulations traffic, identifications proper, traffic census, quarantine regulations, causes imply charge trail destination, observe keep surveillance, forced road, summoned halt disclosed, entered home: commencement saved up. Johnson 367, 436; McDonald 451, 191; see Nueslein Columbia, App.D.C. 85, 115 690. 74 findings proceeded critical coercive phases justification What yielded reverse judgment. 75 FRANKFURTER Section 3(a) Liquor Enforcement 1936, Stat. 1928, U.S.C. § 223 (see U.S.C.A. 1262), provides: 'Whoever import, bring, transport sales scientific, sacramental, medicinal, mechanical purposes) containing per centum alcohol volume prohibited, otherwise continuous interstate State, attempt do, assist doing, shall: (1) accompanied permits, licenses therefor hereafter State; (2) bringing, thereof; guilty misdemeanor fined $1,000 imprisoned year, both.' Okl.Sess.Laws 1939, c. 16, Art. 1, O.S.1941 41, import imported state, permit, cent volume. U.S.Const.Amend.IV. Neither unpublished refers denounce unreasonable. * On is, belief, arising seizing contains destruction, valid.' 147, 149, 283. substantive 305, et seq.; 1936. inferential, Mo., stresses flight realized pursued. unnecessary factor deciding flight, Husty 282 694, 700-701, 240, 241, 629, 1407; Talley 159 703; States Heitner, 149 107; Jones 131 539, 541; Levine 138 627, 629. defined note supra. Manufacture, sale, furnishing tra sportation Okl.Stat.1941 1. Indeed necessity, resorting illegal. hardly needed us cognizance differing Joplin's proximity convenience living base cited referred opinions filed Appeals. Nor anything rulings however it, inappropriateness applying apparent magistrate, context arises. ordinary applied ex parte proceedings, 'partly opponent partly judge's determination discretionary, final, mainly system Evidence devised trials jury.' Wigmore, (3d ed., 1940) 19. Note, Harv.L.Rev. 1307, 1310-1311. see, e. g., Grau 287 124, 128, 38, 40, 77 212, dictum, 'A (Giles 284 F. 208; Wagner 581). *' proposition decisions adduced incompetent, repeated relies Giles, Grau, bad issued 'hearsay conclusions.' (8 583) dictum occasionally appeals courts: Simmons 88; Worthington 166 557, 564-565; Reeve Howe, F.Supp. 619, 622; Novero, 275, 279. Davis 957. 1310-1311, criticism dictum. 15, infra, text. full was: added, term 'probable cause,' according acceptation, condemnation; fixed, meaning. imports suspicion.' are: Dumbra 268 435, 441, 546, 548, 1032; Steele 498, 504-505, 414, 416-417, 757; Stacey Emery, 97 642, 645, 1035. quotes following statement: 'If prudence committed, sufficient.' Ascription 364, error citation. discussion 149ff, 283, self-protection 153-154, 305. person vehicle, officer's seize possession thereof. claiming sold appropriate proceeds paid Treasury. warrants dwellings amend forbid disagreement House Senate, restriction finally rejected. legislative history (Stanley) amendment length. 144-146, 282. concluded, amendment, 'left malicious cause.' thus: intent Is Amendment?

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