Legal Document

480 U.S. 79 107 S.Ct. 1013 94 L.Ed.2d 72 MARYLAND, Petitioner,v.Harold GARRISON. No. 85-759. Argued Nov. 5, 1986. Decided Feb. 24, 1987. Syllabus Baltimore police officers obtained and executed a warrant to search the person of one McWebb "the premises known as 2036 Park Avenue third floor apartment" for controlled substances related paraphernalia. The reasonably believed that there was only apartment on described premises, but in fact divided into two apartments, occupied by respondent. Before became aware they were respondent's apartment, discovered contraband provided basis conviction violating Maryland's Controlled Substances Act. trial court denied motion suppress evidence, Maryland Court Special Appeals affirmed. reversed remanded new trial. Held: 1. On information disclosed, or had duty discover disclose, issuing Magistrate, warrant, insofar it authorized turned out be ambiguous scope, valid when issued. validity must judged light available at time warrant. discovery facts demonstrating unnecessarily broad does not retroactively invalidate Pp. 84-86. 2. execution did violate rights under Fourth Amendment. his pursuant depends whether officers' failure realize overbreadth objectively understandable reasonable, unquestionably was. objective suggested no distinction between McWebb's third-floor premises. Whether are interpreted entire conduct consistent with reasonable effort ascertain identify place intended searched within meaning 86-89. 303 Md. 385, 494 A.2d 193 (1985), remanded. STEVENS, J., delivered opinion Court, which REHNQUIST, C.J., WHITE, POWELL, O'CONNOR, SCALIA, JJ., joined. BLACKMUN, filed dissenting opinion, BRENNAN MARSHALL, joined, post, p. ---. Stephen H. Sachs, Baltimore, Md., petitioner. Gerald A. Kroop, Justice STEVENS Court. 1 Lawrence apartment."1 When applied conducted In fact, respondent Garrison. executing separate respondent, question presented is seizure prohibited 2 evidence seized from App. 46, 58 Md.App. 417, 473 514 (1984). instructions remand case (1985). 3 There supported probable cause. Id., 392, A.2d, 196. found, appellate courts dispute, after making investigation, including verification reliable informant, an exterior examination three-story building Avenue, inquiry utility company, officer who concluded McWebb. 41; Md.App., 433, 522; 387-390, 194-195. six fortuitously encountered front used key gain admittance first-floor hallway locked door top stairs floor. As entered vestibule floor, standing area. could see interior both left right, doors open. Only been heroin, cash, drug paraphernalia found any contained apartments. 41-46. soon discontinued. 32, 39. All searching apartment.2 No further made. 4 matter difference concerns proper interpretation A literal reading its plain language, well language application indicates authorize floor.3 This construction adopted intermediate court, 419, 515, also appears judge. See 41. One sentence judge's oral however, lends support Appeals, namely, only.4 Under interpretation, justification warrantless entry premises.5 5 relies Article 26 Declaration Rights6 cases Amendment Federal Constitution federal cases. Rather than containing "plain statement" decision rests upon adequate independent state grounds, Michigan v. Long, 463 1032, 1042, 103 3469, 3477, 77 1201 (1983), constitutional provision construed pari materia Amendment.7 We therefore have jurisdiction. Because result reached appear required Amendment, we granted certiorari. 475 1009, 106 1182, 89 299 (1986). reverse. 6 our view, presents issues, concerning other reasonableness manner executed. Dalia United States, 441 238, 258, 99 1682, 1693, 60 177 (1979). shall discuss questions separately. 7 * Warrant Clause categorically prohibits issuance except "particularly describing persons things seized." manifest purpose this particularity requirement prevent general searches. By limiting authorization specific areas cause search, ensures will carefully tailored justifications, take character wide-ranging exploratory searches Framers prohibit.8 Thus, scope lawful "defined object places believe may found. Just stolen lawnmower garage upstairs bedroom, undocumented aliens being transported van justify suitcase." States Ross, 456 798, 824, 102 2157, 2172, 572 (1982). 8 claim "persons seized" inadequately those might searched" With benefit hindsight, now know description broader appropriate because based mistaken belief Avenue. factual mistake invalidated undoubtedly would if reflected completely accurate understanding building's plan. 9 Plainly, known, even should dwelling units obligated exclude requested But judge constitutionality their them acted. Those items emerge issued bearing validly issued.9 cannot validate invalid issued, so equally clear assessed Magistrate.10 information, agree conclusion all three II 10 violated right secure home somewhat less clear. difficulty concluding common area legal; carried accompanied McWebb, open giving access If apartments before living quarters thus error limit apartment. Moreover, recognized, discontinue put notice risk unit erroneously included terms limits proceeded. While purposes justifying strictly permissible extent has recognized need allow some latitude honest mistakes made dangerous difficult process arrests warrants.11 11 Hill California, 401 797, 91 1106, 28 484 (1971), considered arrest man named Miller he Hill. good faith him Hill's explained: 12 "The upshot arrested him. They quite wrong out, subjective good-faith itself either subsequent search. sufficient probability, certainty, touchstone record us response situation facing time." 803-804, S.Ct., 1110-1111. 13 involved without underlying rationale officer's misidentification applicable appreciate describes too broadly searched. reasoning Hill, authorizing reasonable. Here premises.12 14 For reason, properly responded command limited rather Prior mistake, perceived same; floor.13 Amendment.S14 Cf. Steele 267 498, 503, 45 414, 416, 69 L.Ed. 757 (1925). 15 judgment reversed, proceedings inconsistent opinion. 16 It ordered. 17 whom MARSHALL join, dissenting. 18 Court's precedents, Garrison's specifically residence, expanded include adjacent expansion absence exigent circumstances. my highest correctly I accept majority's analysis involving part officers, find error, obtaining 19 always received special protection protects "right people persons, houses, papers, effects, against unreasonable seizures" (emphasis added). Silverman 365 505, 511, 81 679, 682, 734 (1961) ("At very core [of Amendment] stands retreat own free governmental intrusion"). direct colonists' objection homes warrants warrants. Chimel 395 752, 761, 2034, 2039, 23 685 (1969); Harris 331 145, 157-163, 67 1098, 1104-1107, 1399 (1947) (Frankfurter, dissenting). today's society, course extended equivalent traditional single-family house, such See, e.g., Ker 374 23, 42, 83 1623, 1634, 726 (1963). 20 observed that, determining interest protected question, people—and simply 'areas.' " Katz 389 347, 353, 88 507, 512, 576 (1967). articulated Harlan concurrence, test "a [has] exhibited actual (subjective) expectation privacy . society prepared recognize 'reasonable.' 361, 516. noted, answer what gave particular "requires reference 'place.' Ibid. meet virtually situations. "[A] man's home," stated, "is, most purposes, where expects privacy." continued occupy role post-Katz era. Payton New York, 445 573, 585, 100 1371, 1379, 63 639 (1980) ("[T]he 'physical chief evil wording directed,' quoting District 407 297, 313, 92 2125, 2134, 32 752 (1972)); Karo, 468 705, 714-715, 104 3296, 3303, 82 530 (1984) ("Searches seizures inside presumptively absent circumstances"); California Carney, 471 386, 407-408, 105 2066, 2078, 85 406 (1985) (STEVENS, dissenting) ("These [mobile homes] spartan humble cottage compared majestic mansion legitimate expectations associated these temporary abodes respect Court"); Steagald 451 204, 211, 101 1642, 1647, 68 38 (1981); Coolidge Hampshire, 403 443, 477-478, 2022, 2043-2044, 29 564 (1971). 21 states "no Warrants issue, cause, Oath affirmation, particularly searched, particularity-of-description satisfied can intended." applying aimed residences multiunit buildings, present case, declared fail describe targeted enough specificity units. Higgins, 428 F.2d 232 (CA7 1970); Votteller, 544 1355, 1362-1363 (CA6 1976). Courts different criteria determine identified particularity. Bedford, 519 650, 655 (CA3 1975) (by name occupant apartment), cert. 424 917, 96 1120, 47 323 (1976); Haynes State, S.W.2d 739, 741 (Tex.Crim.App.1971) directions how reach room); generally W. LaFave, Search Seizure § 4.5, (1978); Crais, Sufficiency Description Apartment Room Searched Multiple-Occupancy Structure, A.L.R.3d 1330, 1340-1341, (1967 Supp.1986). 22 Applying above principles conclude improper. words distinctive: directed seize marijuana i.e., "on apartment." 9. observed, McWebb's—not respondent's—residence. 193, 196 (1985).1 majority suggests document, supporting affidavit, permitted Ante, 82, n. 4. escapes me why "third apartment," single multiple-occupancy context person's plainly discerns, apparent and, indeed, obvious signification—one located floor.2 Accordingly, if, then additional apartment—respondent's—was presumed "in number defined 'exigent circumstances.' U.S., 478, 2044. State advanced exception requirement, excluded.3 "exceptional circumstances" rubric, analyzes here "mistake." According hindsight makes mistaken, first, greater ante, 85, second, 86-87. focuses knew junctures. reasons imputed knowledge, behavior constitute infringement rights. finds violation drawn because, until moment realized reason residence cover 24 "honest mistakes" obviate problems. 87-88. doubtful carries precedential weight ascribe it. (1969), pre-Chimel incident, went instead. 799, 1108. mistook despite former's protestations contrary, produced substantial later convict robbery. 801, 1109. deciding neither nor ensuing constituted violation, entertaining challenge here, faced brought whose position comparable Miller. make sense excuse produces target investigation arresting individual residence. Similar apply singled victim error. Brinegar 338 160, 176, 1302, 1311, 93 1879 (1949) long-prevailing standards cause] seek safeguard citizens rash interferences unfounded charges crime"); cf. Ybarra Illinois, 444 91, 338, 342, 62 238 (1979) ("But, mere propinquity others independently suspected criminal activity not, more, give rise person. undercut avoided pointing coincidentally exists another happen be"). 25 Even accepts view reasonable,4 questionable standard met case. To repeat Harlan's observation, although "what affords people, requires 516 (concurring opinion). "place" issue small building. Such forms habitation country, neighborhoods changing populations declining affluence.5 "reasonableness" done mind. efforts Detective Marcus, procured do reasonableness, considering detective concerned 34. Upon learning informant selling Marcus inspected outside 35. He approach it, gather about configuration Had so, discovered, day id., 13, seven mailboxes bells porch main entrance house. Although dispute over names affixed near boxes bells, 13-14; Suppression Hearing Tr. M2-96 M2-97, existence alone puts observer structure (with, possibly, basement) detective, therefore, necessary eliminate possibility more unit's Marcus' told purchased drugs 6, never thought ask These efforts, placed slight burden order render seeking warrant.6 27 providing doubt standard. "objective facts" dealing moment, considerably rummaged through dresser closet incriminating him, 80, 88-89. base ever during lived 88, 12. happened drive up while party preparing execute Shea, disguised worker, already row house 13.7 From vantage point observe bells; rang apparently summon resident party. 15. Shea's position, armed knowledge structure, specify exact location proceeding further. example, questioned surprising, moreover, much emphasis volunteer drove up, vehicles blocked car surrounded passenger got out. M2-15, M2-56, M2-130 M2-131. apartment,8 testified time, M2-14, M2-60,9 leave. M2-157 M2-158. circumstances, strongly suggest custody, administer warnings Miranda Arizona, 384 436, 86 1602, 694 (1966). problem, discovery, floor.10 is, several requests warnings, yet failed M2-60, M2-131, M2-157. 30 moments following gained separating supplied key. 17. There, doorway clad pajamas wearing half-body cast recent spinal operation. 16; M2-104 M2-105. next occurred M2-108, M2-167, together car, shepherded across own. Once again, curiously silent. led anyone apartment; custody vestibule; asked lived. M2-165. likely began 31 Finally importantly, learned nothing initial security sweep. first fanned rooms preliminary check occupants pose danger them. M2-63, M2-74, M2-87, M2-167. map demonstrates, 396, 199, almost mirror image each other—each bathroom, kitchen, room, bedroom. Given symmetrical layout imagine sweep, discerned confined residence.11 prevents easily avoided. 33 respectfully dissent. 9, May 21, 1982. "Marihuana, paraphernalia, minies, books, photographs pertaining illegal distribution Marihuana. ." progress, answered telephone. caller "Red Cross"; confidential informant. 6. Neither indicated 38, 39-40. states: "Affidavit having Albert Police Department, Narcotic Unit, Meril [and] story brick numerals 2-0-3-6 same City concealed certain property. "You therefor commanded, assistants, forthwith person/premises hereinabove property specified, Immediately ruling suppression motions Garrison, added, "[t]here rule multiple externally warrant." 45. ruled, "It specified Defendant 46. statement rejection floor," 40, recognition lack interpret court's subunit building—which referred McWebb"—was precise alerted [seized]." contrary fails account undisputed McWebb's; itself. argument exceptions here. clear, authority cross threshold evidence. "Police Garrison's. entering regardless appearances." 392-394, 196-197 Rights provides: "That warrants, oath places, property, grevious [grievous] oppressive; apprehend naming place, special, illegal, ought granted." 391, "state fairly rest primarily law, interwoven law. 1040, 3476. Andresen Maryland, 427 463, 480, 2737, 2748, 49 627 Stanley Georgia, 394 557, 569-572, 1243, 1250-1252, 542 (1969) (Stewart, concurring result); Stanford Texas, 379 476, 481-482, 485, 506, 431 (1965); Go-Bart Importing Co. 282 344, 357, 51 153, 158, 75 (1931); Marron 275 192, 195-196, 48 74, 75-76, 231 (1927). Jacobsen, 466 109, 115, 1652, 1657, 80 (warrantless white powder; "[t]he official invasion citizen's appraised existed occurred"). Arguments certainly able surely possible establishes Officer inquiries identity matched given informant: 7. "made Gas Electric Company Ave. McWebb." hearing inquired listed: "I rear middle room. me, listed 36-38. Department records address physical familiar local conditions unanimous tenant supports conclusion, decision. "Because many situations confront duties ambiguous, room allowed part. men, acting leading sensibly conclusions probability." (1949). Nothing said detained opened admitting undivided foyer Garrison informed 39-40, 42. expressly distinguish building, sold transactions taking place. circumstances issues ones Respondent argued "walked Oral Arg. At 43. addressing argument, asserts essential. viewed beginning closer examination, turn excluded argument. brand which, due vary Yet precisely for, receive, prepare prior fact. begin set foot accordingly. proposes survey whenever units, persuasive impose bedrock traced cases, detailed reaching relied McWebb" 46; contends reliance unjustified, statement, doing rejecting contention general. 82-83, statement. observing McWebb's. remark contradict observation procuring 41, necessarily imply beyond knowing unaware remaining affidavit similarly on, occupying entirely, ("During mentioned meeting Informant # 222, stated he/she subject 'Red Cross', Marihuana floor"). confused (see sketch reproduced 199), justified detaining temporarily Summers, 452 692, 2587, 2595, 340 asserted vestibule, lying 24-25. entirely immediately view" depend "access justification," Illinois Andreas, 765, 771, 3319, 3324, 1003 probably obtain conceivably impounded Segura 796, 810, 3380, 3389, 599 Nothing, full-scale engaged. Lower deal "reasonable mistake." Some applies where, outward appearances, single-occupancy contains, reality, efforts. Davis, 557 1239, 1247-1248 (CA8), denied, 434 971, 98 523, 54 461 (1977); pp. 79-80 (1978). propriety uncertain, multiunit. houses besides draw specificity. means clearly avoid infringing Put way, apply, drawing demanding rely nature structure. sort converted Brief 10. noted Senator Proxmire: "It's estimated 71/2 million rental buildings 50 percent population. "Approximately 4.1 central cities metropolitan areas. large lower income families disproportionate minority families." Multifamily Housing Rehabilitation Subcommittee Urban Affairs Senate Committee Banking, Housing, Affairs, 95th Cong., 2d Sess., checked verify appeared 85-86, electric bills 28, erroneous. detective's gas company relieved obligation pursue other, burdensome steps accurately dispense companies, owner, telephone company. F.2d, 1247 (efforts deemed utilities). 22—another search—a brief explained observations again impossible tell individuals enter." long-range, possibly telescopic, sense. investigating resulted destruction Reply Petitioner understand discretely feared adverse effect. unclear arrival managed break door. "then engaged commission crime," confronted street, arrest. course, refused question. But, pursued avenues discovering immediate fear Having seen secured 3, supra.

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