Legal Document

446 U.S. 544 100 Supreme Court Reporter 1870 64 United States Reports Lawyer’s Edition 2d Series KF101.8 U54 497 UNITED STATES, Petitioner,v.Sylvia L. MENDENHALL. Number 78-1821. Argued Feb. 19, 1980. Decided May 27, Rehearing Denied June 30, See 448 908, 3051. Syllabus * Respondent, prior to trial in Federal District on a charge of possessing heroin with intent distribute it, moved suppress the introduction evidence ground that it had been acquired through an unconstitutional search and seizure by Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents. At hearing motion, was established when respondent arrived at Detroit Metropolitan Airport flight from Los Angeles, two DEA agents, observing her conduct appeared be characteristic persons unlawfully carrying narcotics, approached as she walking concourse, identified themselves federal asked see identification airline ticket. After produced driver's license, which name, ticket, issued another agents questioned briefly discrepancy how long California. returning ticket license her, one if would accompany him airport office for further questions, did so. agent allow person handbag told right decline desired. She responded: "Go ahead," handed purse agent. A female police officer, who respondent's person, also consented search, replied did. When policewoman explained have remove clothing, stated plane catch assured no narcotics there problem. Respondent began disrobe without comment took undergarments packages, contain heroin, them policewoman. then arrested heroin. The denied motion suppress, concluding agents' initially approaching asking permissible investigative stop, based facts justifying suspicion criminal activity, accompanied voluntarily, voluntarily office. convicted after trial, but Appeals reversed, finding not validly search. Held : judgment is case remanded. Pp. 550-560 (opinion STEWART, J.); Pages 560-566 POWELL, J.). 596 Reporter, 2nd 706, reversed Mr. Justice STEWART delivered opinion respect parts I, II-B, II-C, III, concluding: 1 1. Respondent's Fourth Amendment rights were violated went concourse Whether consent fact voluntary or product duress coercion determined totality all circumstances. Under this test, evidence—including go office, simply officers, neither threats nor any show force—was plainly adequate support Court's officers. 22 years old, graduated high school, Negro accosted white while irrelevant, decisive. Cf. Schneckloth versus Bustamonte, 412 218, 93 2041, 36 854. 557-558. 2 2. clearly supported view freely given. capable knowing consent, twice expressly officers free withhold only thereafter explicitly court entitled statement, made require removal "she catch," expression concern conducted quickly, indicating resistance 558-559. 3 joined REHNQUIST, concluded Part II-A, "seizure" respondent, requiring objective justification, occurred questions her. has "seized" within meaning if, circumstances surrounding incident, reasonable believed he leave, whom are put remains disregard walk away, intrusion upon person's liberty privacy some particularized justification. Nothing record suggests reason believe end conversation proceed way. 551-557. 4 THE CHIEF JUSTICE BLACKMUN, question whether should reached because courts below considered question; that, assuming stop constitute seizure, light circumstances, engaging activity and, therefore, violate stopping routine questioning. 560-566. 5 Andrew Frey, Washington, D. C., petitioner. 6 KF105 F3 Randall Karfonta, Detroit, Mich., respondent. 7 announced opinion, REHNQUIST joined.** 8 brought Eastern Michigan it. against (DEA). stipulated facts. Appeals, unlawful. We granted certiorari consider guaranteed presented case. 444 822, 42, 62 29. 9 charged obtained commercial Angeles early morning February 10, 1976. As disembarked airplane, observed DEA, present purpose detecting unlawful traffic narcotics. conduct, narcotics,1 name Sylvia Mendenhall, answer resided address appearing license. "Annette Ford." why bore different own, "just felt like using name." In response question, indicated California days. Agent Anderson specifically himself according his testimony, "became quite shaken, extremely nervous. hard time speaking." 10 questions. so, although does indicate verbal request. located up stairs about 50 feet where first approached, consisted reception area adjoined three other rooms. ahead." purse, contained receipt "F. Bush" days earlier Pittsburgh Chicago Angeles. used California, was. 11 officer person. searched. said had, followed into private room. There again clothing. comment. removed small both 12 It basis suppress. under standards Terry Ohio, 392 1, 88 1868, 20 889 Brignoni-Ponce, 422 873, 95 2574, 45 607, specific articulable justified activity. found placed arrest otherwise detained " 'voluntarily spirit apparent cooperation.' court's until found. Finally, "gave [in office] . such given." 13 subsequent conviction, stating "the concludes indistinguishable McCaleb," 552 717 (CA6 1977).2 McCaleb suppressed seized substantially similar those case.3 disapproved Government's reliance so-called "drug courier profile," held could reasonably suspected case, activities [persons] consistent innocent behavior," id., 720. even initial approach permissible, suspects room questioning constituted probable cause. given, principally fruit what detention. 14 On rehearing en banc reaffirmed its original decision, "within [McCaleb ]." 707. II 15 provides people secure their persons, houses, papers, effects, unreasonable searches seizures, shall ." possessed constitutional personal security walked Airport, protects people, places," Katz States, 389 347, 351, 507, 511, 19 576. Here Government concedes warrant cause position, however, pursuant consent,4 thus excepted requirements Evidently, given event official violative Amendment. must consider, occurred, either airport. 16 Amendment's requirement seizures founded governs "including involve brief detention short traditional arrest. Davis Mississippi, 394 721 [89 1394, 676] (1969); 16-19 [88 1877, 889] (1968)." supra, 878, S.Ct., 2578.5 Accordingly, doing so they wrongdoing. But "[o]bviously, intercourse between policemen citizens involves 'seizures' persons. Only means physical force authority, way restrained citizen may we conclude 'seizure' occurred." U.S., n. 16, 1879, 16. 17 distinction amounting encounter intrudes constitutionally protected interest illustrated recounted follows: "Officer McFadden men, names. men 'mumbled something' inquiries, Officer grabbed petitioner Terry, spun around facing two, others, patted down outside clothing." Id., 6-7, 1872. Obviously subjected "search" hold him, around, outer surfaces 1879. What taken place before physically purposes searching weapons. "assume[d] point assumption appears entirely correct fact, noted concurring WHITE, "[t]here nothing Constitution prevents policeman addressing anyone streets," 34, 1886. Police enjoy (again, every citizen) persons," 31, 32-33, 1885-1886 (Harlan, J., concurring), "ordinarily addressed equal ignore interrogator away." Ibid. 18 Similarly, Sibron New York, 40, 1889, 917, decided same day conducting later restaurant come outside, occasion decide inside antecedent "barren indication [the officer] submission authority left choice, cooperation officer's investigation." 63, 1903 (emphasis added). Plainly, latter event, demonstrably curtailed Sibron's liberty. adhere when, freedom movement restrained. restraint imposed foundation whatever invoking safeguards. eliminate contact citizenry, "to prevent arbitrary oppressive interference enforcement officials individuals." Martinez-Fuerte, 428 543, 554, 96 3074, 3081, 49 1116. Moreover, characterizing street "seizure," enhancing secured Amendment, impose wholly unrealistic restrictions wide variety legitimate law practices. occasions referred acknowledged need tool effective laws. "Without investigation, might falsely accused, guilty escape prosecution, many crimes unsolved. short, diminished. Haynes 373 503, 515, [83 1336, 1344, 513]." 225, 2046. 21 leave.6 Examples attempt threatening presence several display weapon touching citizen, use language tone voice compliance request compelled. 16; Dunaway 442 200, 207, 6, 99 2248, 2253, 60 824; W. LaFave, Search Seizure 53-55 (1978). absence evidence, inoffensive member public cannot, matter law, amount occurred. events concourse. wore uniforms displayed They summon presence, instead requested, demand Such more, interest. identification, posed few Nor enough establish official. concurring). ALI, Model Code Pre-Arraignment Procedure § 110.1(1) commentary, 257-261 (1975). way, seizure. 23 Our conclusion affected cooperate inquiry, voluntariness responses depend having informed. supra. reject argument inference drawn acted manner contrary self-interest compelled happen makes statements regrets, issue cases statement self-protective, rather voluntarily. 24 decision last Term Brown Texas, 443 47, 2637, 61 357, relies, apposite. plainer forcibly alley, identify explain being there. "refused angrily asserted him," 49, 2639. Up continuing protest officers' power interrogate frisked, violation state statute making offense refuse give "who lawfully stopped requested information." suspect wrongdoing, detaining therefore applying presented. 52-53, 2641-2642. 25 decisions involving investigatory stops automobiles do direction. roving patrol motorists general international border inquiry residence status vehicle aliens illegally country. 881-882, 2580. contend whose seized. Indeed, occupants required respond produce documents evidencing eligibility States. 880, 2579. diverting automobile transit, attendant opportunity visual inspection areas passenger compartment observable, materially more intrusive than passing pedestrian, former amounts tells very little latter. Delaware Prouse, 440 648, 1391, 59 660; 556-559, 3082-3083. B 26 Although still arguable protections turn infect 27 cooperation,' quoting 1903. Notwithstanding determination court, evidently converted situation order lawful. sustained record, mistaken substituting evidence. Jackson 122 U.S.App.D.C. 324, 353 862 (1965). 28 coercion, express implied, 227, 2047, burden proving. 222, 2045, citing Bumper North Carolina, 391 548, 1788, 1791, 797. herself testify hearing. showed force. briefly, returned 29 hand, argued incident coercive old school. additionally suggested Negro, unusually threatened males. While these factors 226, decisive, Contract 30 Because preceded impermissible cannot contended infected invalid. credited testimony "consent given," sustain view. First, note 11th-grade education, consent. Second, especially significant "proof knowledge sine qua non search," 234, 2051 (footnote omitted), highly relevant And, perhaps important purposes, informed lessened probability coercive. 31 Counsel resist relying catch." quickly. unequivocally problem turned undress 32 resulted inherently nature surroundings. voluntary, coerced. And likely disclose carried, repeat ultimate self-interest, voluntarily.7 III 33 "freely voluntarily" was, error setting aside. remanded proceedings. 34 ordered. 35 BLACKMUN join, part judgment. & N Dec. Immigration Nationality Decisions join Parts opinion. reach contention "seize" my view, assume seizure.1 hold—as 37 briefly. leave aircraft. Two watched enter terminal, baggage area, change directions Airlines counter. accepted boarding pass Pittsburgh, identification. gave body revealed plastic bags 38 (1968), establishes offend Amendment.2 reasonableness turns each particular, emphasized (i) served (ii) scope intrusion, (iii) relied expertise. 50-51, 2640, 2641, 357 (1979); 654-655, 1396, 1397, 660 879-883, 2579-2581, 607 (1975); 20-22, 1880. 39 compelling deadly drugs profit. Few problems affecting health welfare our population, particularly young, greater escalating controlled substances. Much drug organized sophisticated syndicates. profits enormous. drugs, including easily concealed. result, obstacles detection illegal unmatched enforcement. 40 To meet pressing concern, since 1974 assigned skilled nationwide program intercept couriers transporting major sources distribution centers developed profiles" describe characteristics generally associated traffickers. For example, believes most four "source" cites (Los San Diego, Miami, York), pay particular attention passengers arrive places. Van Lewis, 409 F.Supp. 535, 538 (ED Mich.1976), aff'd, 556 385 1977). During months program, watching searched 141 encounters. substances 77 encounters F.Supp., 539. 1976, out specialized operation designed combat serious societal threat distribution. 41 demonstrate [a] exigencies [is] central element analysis reasonableness." 18, 15, 1878, 15.3 modest. plainclothes area. near employees sought aid strangers. One inquired Unlike 7, 1872, brief. frightened isolated assistance. 42 reviewing led recall trained "able perceive articulate untrained observer." 52, 2, Among can rise agent's methods recent engaged Law rely "characteristics area," behavior evading contact. 884-885, 2581-2582. "In situations assess experience." 885, 2582. 43 Administration. Anderson, initiated experience special training He known cross roads illicit traffic,4 over year involved approximately drug-related arrests. App. 7-8. 44 nervous, evade detection. deplaned testified often disembark clear terminal detect government 9. Once scanned entire gate "very, slowly" toward (testimony Anderson). there, claimed baggage. Instead, skycap counter terminal. stood line immediately behind carried American An employee pass. 10-11. frequently travel flights route avoid surveillance. observations, Court, hear Anderson's judge credibility, reasonable.5 agree. preventing great, minimal. specially well-planned, effective, program. Furthermore, frequented couriers.6 46 jurisprudence demands consideration public's well seizures. test "reasonableness," considerable expertise gained experience. careful commendable work conviction satisfies 47 BRENNAN, MARSHALL, STEVENS dissenting. 48 today traveler changing planes escorting strip-search This result curious majority Members Ms. Mendenhall "seized," separate grounds justify lawfully, regardless suspecting finds though throughout proceedings never necessitating showing suspicion. POWELL's lawful provided concludes, resisted detention, choice matter. inconsistent recognition presumed acquiescence reconciled 824 (1979). Beginning recognized repeatedly proscription "seizures" individuals during 2578, 556, 3082, 1116 (1976); 653, "emphatically reject[ed]" notion "stop" "is purview [it a] Constitution." 1877. sounder course recognize intrusions security, make 1878. Applying principle, "[w]e detain 'probable cause' However, suspicion, facts, individual activity." 51, (1979) (citations omitted). 51 Throughout lower Rather, arguing Mendenhall's portions informal amalgam thought drugs.1 Having failed convince seeks reversal here now accepts, thereby pretermitting Mendenhall. STEWART's usual refusal reverse judgments raised below, addresses fact-bound totality-of-circumstances assessment best instance litigated hence sure adequately us.2 52 occurs individual's authority. undisputed inspected leave. basing alleged inquiries continue STEWART'S brushes off evidentiary deficiency largely attributable below. assessing reveal, discounts certain tend finding,3 inconclusive own illustrations established.4 purports accosted, distinguishing holding "seizures," differences extent leave.5 Even permitted raise proper direct remand Court.6 53 Assuming, should, legality stop. 2641. necessary least "be able which, together rational inferences intrusion." 21, 54 solely observations airport.7 advance information flight, drugs. "unusual conduct" lead experienced afoot, 1884, kind expected 55 None aspects alone combination, sufficient provide alight originating insufficient originated "major source city," mere proximity incidence addicts, Ybarra Illinois, 85, 338, 238 supra ; 62, 1902, 917 (1968).8 luggage changed airlines 28, 1883, "nothing suspects'] noticed confronted negate [his] hypothesis" behavior, negated traveling distance heard tell already needed flight.9 Thus plain observer failure claim ticketed airline.10 "his inchoate unparticularized 'hunch,' "specific draw experience," "seizing" Mendenhall.11 56 Whatever doubt concerning interests implicated stages confrontation undoubtedly escorted (1979), station interrogation "was 'seized' sense," "he arrest." 203, 2251. station, 'free go,' "would refused tried custody." 212, 2256. Like Dunaway, great respects arrest, officeand was.12 once submitting strip-search.13 Thus, 57 "[t]he suspect] 'booked,' proved fruitless, insignificant obviously suspect's] roughly analogous narrowly defined progeny." 212-213, 2256 (citation 58 character cause, concededly absent, intrusion. suggestion Dun- away unsupported record. speculation, decided, "Agent Office [agent's] investigation,' 63 917] Pet. Certiorari 16a. suppression said, anything, wanted "request" arrival flimsier rejected affirmative station. 223, 2261 (REHNQUIST, dissenting). Also York [i], culled description "consent," described "totally barren Patrolman Martin 1903.14 recognizes proving nevertheless holds "totality adequate" us, assumed proof squarely rejected. 548-549, 1792, 797 prosecution's "burden discharged authority." (Footnotes omitted.) Johnson 333 68 367, 92 L.Ed. 436 (1948); Amos 255 313, 266, 65 654 (1921). prove knew officers,Schneckloth 854 (1973), wishes requisite properly understood rejecting "findings" Since defendant hearing, speculate mind progressed surveillance, questioning, seclusion command Nevertheless, unbelievable15 sequence invasion citizen's privacy. rule requires conclusion. dissipate taint. syllabus constitutes prepared convenience reader. Lumber Co., 200 321, 337, 282, 287, 499, 505. ** JUSTICE, POWELL II-A fit profile"—an informally compiled abstract typical (1) arriving city origin much Detroit; (2) plane, "appeared nervous," "completely whole agents] standing"; (3) leaving proceeded past claiming luggage; (4) Detroit. unreported. circumstance here. advised luggage, warrant. F.2d, 719. irrelevant. alternative arguments parties merits oral argument. ordinarily matters Adickes Kress 398 144, 147, 90 1598, 1602, 142, done exceptional Youakim Miller, 425 231, 1399, 1401, 701; Duignan 274 195, 566, 568, 71 996. assumption, embraced rests misapprehension law. essential disposition issues treat "fairly comprised" petition certiorari. Rule 23(1)(c). Procunier Navarette, 434 555, 559-560, 98 855, 858-859, 24; Blonder-Tongue Laboratories, Incorporated University Illinois Foundation, 402 320-321, 91 1434, 1438-1439, 788. permit contention. material disputed. controversy proceeding characterized "investigatory stop." correctness legal characterization determine. 854; 548-550, 1791-1792, agree subjective intention attempted irrelevant except insofar conveyed acting cooperating hope receiving lenient treatment. reasons "only leave." Ante, 554. notes '[t]here streets.' 553, 1886, (1968) (WHITE, necessarily disagree views expressed II-A. me, "walk away" close. Warrant Clause apply "stop." category survive prohibition "unreasonable seizures." 20, justification random moving vehicle. stops, take night infrequently traveled roads, interfere movement, inconvenient, frightening. 657, 1397. distinguished v.Martinez-Fuerte, (1976), individualized motor fixed checkpoint, checkpoint "lesser intrusion" 656, motorist halted permanent less anxiety 'can vehicles [and] visible signs .' 558, 3083, Ortiz, 891, 895, 2585, 2588, 623 From 1975 1978, 135 pounds cocaine Airport. 1,536 dosage units dangerous discovered 708, 1979) (Weick, dissenting 709 results Agency's efforts 562, flows Contrary WHITE's impression, post, 573-574, 11, statistics profile" Each raising judged August stop" October focused explanation discussion suspicious. Attorney "it valid search." 28. Noting "[u]nder stop," "a crime afoot," warranted existed 28-30. type determine defendant's identity obtain information. 15a. appeal, panel ever understanding Neither acknowledgment certiorari, ask review quantum slight, "arguable" content been. 19. "exceptional circumstances" entertaining raised, ante, 551, 5, contention." 552, 5. principal "whether agents," ibid., 547, factual dispute allegedly substantial law," just Court. Equally deficient exist "determination ['seizure'] case." affect reached. Not doubtful board feel notes, raised. (1975), here, concessions responding requests inquiring distinguish visually inspect car, confuses 234-235, 1401-1402, 701 cited vacated aired Court." 236, 1402. Rios 364 253, 80 1431, 1688 (1960) (remanding deciding probable-cause question). cross-examination: "Q. Did you tip case? "A. You going strictly saw airport, right? number things, statements. I'm asking— (Interposing) All right. Itinerary. You're happened information? Correct. know you? date No." 18. If talk addicts sort security," U.S, "source city" certainly not. cross-examination pick suspicious learned planes. trained, [may be] By token, detail negating Pittsburgh. POWELL'S relies heavily assertion "acted program." 565. Yet successes program" nearly success refer following "based agents'] independent work," occasional tips, (E.D. Here, Supra, 571-572, 7. hearing: Now, her? me? Yes. Yes, she? point." testified: Had known? room? Well yes, say known. Yes." 21. 45, 1893, "Sibron sat ordered pie coffee, eating, outside. Sibron, 'You am after.' "Will parlour?" spider fly. (You find consented, why.)

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