Legal Document

540 U.S. 551 GROHv.RAMIREZ ET AL. No. 02-811. Supreme Court of United States. Argued November 4, 2003. Decided February 24, 2004. Petitioner, a Bureau Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms agent, prepared signed an application for warrant to search respondents' Montana ranch, which stated that the was specified weapons, explosives, records. The supported by petitioner's detailed affidavit setting forth his basis believing such items were on ranch accompanied form he completed. Magistrate Judge (Magistrate) even though it did not identify any petitioner intended seize. portion calling description "person or property" described house, alleged weapons; incorporate reference application's itemized list. Petitioner led federal local law enforcement officers next day but found no illegal weapons explosives. left copy warrant, application, with respondents. Respondents sued others under Bivens v. Six Unknown Fed. Narcotics Agents, 403 U. S. 388, 42 C. § 1983, claiming, inter alia, Fourth Amendment violation. District granted defendants summary judgment, finding violation, if violation occurred, entitled qualified immunity. Ninth Circuit affirmed except as claim against petitioner, holding invalid because describe particularity place be searched seized. court also concluded States Leon, 468 897, precluded immunity leader who read satisfy himself understood its scope limitations obviously defective. Held: 1. clearly "unreasonable" Amendment. Pp. 557-563. (a) plainly invalid. It meet Amendment's unambiguous requirement "particularly describ[e] ... persons things seized." fact adequately those does save warrant; interests are necessarily vindicated when another document says something about objects search, document's contents neither known person whose home is being nor available her inspection. necessary decide whether permits cross-reference other documents, incorporation occur here. 557-558. (b) Petitioner's argument nonetheless reasonable rejected. Because at all, so deficient must regarded warrantless, thus presumptively unreasonable. This presumptive rule applies searches only defect lack in warrant. errs arguing should exempt from presumption they otherwise requirement's goals. Unless set there written assurance actually probable cause broad affiant requested. restraint showed conducting instant imposed agent himself, judicial officer. Moreover, purpose limited preventing general searches; assures individual property seized executing officer's legal authority, need limits power do so. case presents occasion reach requirements' goals served orally respondents, respondents dispute account. 558-563. 2. despite constitutional "it would clear officer conduct unlawful situation confronted," Saucier Katz, 533 194, 202. Given Constitution's text, could believe comply valid. may argue reasonably relied Magistrate's contained adequate Nor unaware basic that, absent consent exigency, warrantless unconstitutional. "[A] facially cannot presume valid." S., 923. case. 563-565. 298 F.3d 1022, affirmed. STEVENS, J., delivered opinion Court, O'CONNOR, SOUTER, GINSBURG, BREYER, JJ., joined. KENNEDY, filed dissenting opinion, REHNQUIST, joined, post, p. 566. THOMAS, SCALIA, joined Part III, 571. 1 CERTIORARI TO THE UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS FOR NINTH CIRCUIT. 2 Richard A. Cordray argued petitioner. With him briefs Harry Litman. 3 Austin Schlick amicus curiae urging reversal. brief Solicitor General Olson, Assistant Attorney McCallum, Deputy Clement, Barbara L. Herwig, Howard Scher. 4 Vincent J. Kozakiewicz W. G. Gilbert III.* 5 JUSTICE STEVENS Court. 6 conducted pursuant failed "persons Const., Amdt. 4. questions presented (1) violated Amendment, (2) so, nevertheless immunity, given (Magistrate), relying particularly question, search. 7 * Respondents, Joseph Ramirez members family, live large Butte-Silver Bow County, Montana. Jeff Groh, has been Special Agent (ATF) since 1989. In 1997, concerned citizen informed number visits visitor had seen stock weaponry, including automatic rifle, grenades, grenade launcher, rocket launcher.1 Based information, ranch. "any firearms parts destructive devices include launchers, all receipts pertaining purchase manufacture explosive launchers." App. Pet. Cert. 28a. affidavit, executed, belief listed concealed then these documents Magistrate, along form. 8 Although contraband expected find, itself less specific; called seized, typed two-story blue house rather than stockpile firearms.2 list application. did, however, recite satisfied established premises, sufficient grounds existed warrant's issuance.3 9 after issued team officers, both agents sheriff's department, premises. respondent home, wife children were. states Mrs. Mr. telephone. According Ramirez, explained searching "`an device box.'" F. 3d 1026 (CA9 2002). At rate, officers' uncovered When left, gave sealed. following day, response request attorney, faxed attorney page No charges Ramirezes. 10 388 (1971), Rev. Stat. 1979, raising eight claims, 17-27. entered judgment defendants. considered comparable one inaccurate address, case, reasoned, sufficiently can locate correct house. 20a-22a. added failure amounted mere "typographical error." Id., 22a-24a. 11 Appeals respect exception 3d, 1029-1030. On claim, held "describe seized," oral statements during cure omission. 1025-1026. observed facial "increased likelihood degree confrontation between Ramirezes police" deprived means "to challenge might have exceeded magistrate." 1027. expressed concern "permitting expand broaden area parties subsequent litigation." Ibid. protected our 897 (1984), precluding fails "read [himself] [he] understand[s] limitations, defective some obvious way." "[t]he leaders make sure give commencement missing pages defects." (footnote omitted). We certiorari. 537 1231 (2003). II 12 unambiguously "no Warrants shall issue, upon cause, Oath affirmation, describing searched, (Emphasis added.) this complied first three requirements: based sworn fourth requirement, altogether. Indeed, concedes "the . provided type evidence sought." Brief 10. 13 "things seized" invalidity. terms requires supporting documents. See Massachusetts Sheppard, 981, 988, n. (1984) ("[A] conform unconstitutional"); see Stefonek, 179 1030, 1033 (CA7 1999) ("The papers asked issue warrant" (emphasis original)). And good reason: "The presence serves high function," McDonald States, 335 451, 455 (1948), function document, somewhere, say forbids cross-referencing most Courts construe uses appropriate words incorporation, accompanies See, e.g., McGrew, 122 847, 849-850 1997); Williamson, 1134, 1136, (CA10 1993); Blakeney, 942 2d 1001, 1025-1026 (CA6 1991); Maxwell, 920 1028, 1031 (CADC 1990); Curry, 911 72, 76-77 (CA8 Roche, 614 6, (CA1 1980). But reference, either (which placed seal) accompany Hence, we further explore matter incorporation. 14 argues invalid, "reasonable" within meaning He notes authorized exceed Thus, maintains, functionally equivalent valid 15 disagree. simply omit few many misdescribe several items. what fairly characterized technical mistake typographical error. Rather, space aside consisted "single dwelling residence color." words, all. regard "warrantless" law. 923; cf. Maryland Garrison, 480 79, 85 (1987); Steele 267 498, 503-504 (1925). "We dealing formalities." McDonald, U.S., 455. "`the right man retreat into own free unreasonable governmental intrusion'" stands "'[a]t very core' Amendment," Kyllo 27, 31 (2001) (quoting Silverman 365 505, 511 (1961)), cases firmly "`basic principle law' seizures inside without unreasonable," Payton New York, 445 573, 586 (1980) "absent exigent circumstances, entry unconstitutional felony committed incriminating will within." 587-588 Kyllo, 29; Illinois Rodriguez, 497 177, 181 (1990); Chimel California, 395 752, 761-763 (1969); 454; Johnson 333 (1948). 16 equal force instance, particularity, Amendment." 5. squarely rejecting position, explained: 17 uniformly applied Stanford Texas, 379 476 (1965); Cardwell, 680 75, 77-78 1982); Crozier, 674 1293, 1299 Klein, 565 183, 185 1977); Gardner, 861, 862 1976); Marti, 421 1263, 1268-1269 (CA2 1970). That keeping well-established `except certain carefully defined classes cases, private proper unless warrant.' Camara Municipal 387 523, 528-529 (1967). Steagald 451 204, 211-212 (1981); Jones 357 493, 499 (1958)." 18 asks us hold lacking unreasonableness satisfied. maintains — prevent searches, seizure thing another, warrants vague dubious information," particular (or least incorporated present search), for, seize, every item mentioned affidavit. ("Absent grave emergency, interposed magistrate police. done objective mind weigh invade [the citizen's] privacy order enforce law"). example, theoretically possible explosives justified showing convinced evidentiary rummaging through files Cf. 476, 485-486 (1965). Or, conceivably, believed lawfully possessed therefore 26 5861 (requiring registration, banning possession of, firearms). establish agreed affiant's request. Even acted inescapable themselves, officer." Katz 389 347, 356 (1967).4 19 long held, moreover, prevention searches. 84. A "assures lawful authority officer, search." Chadwick, 433 1, (1977) (citing City County San Francisco, 532 (1967)), abrogated grounds, California Acevedo, 500 (1991). Gates, 462 213, 236 (1983) ("[P]ossession arrest greatly reduces perception intrusive police conduct").5 20 broader acknowledges, searching. submits, notice accorded. argument, noted above, looking "`explosive 1026. before motion 13a, nonmovant believed, justifiable inferences drawn [her] favor," Anderson Liberty Lobby, Inc., 477 242, 255 (1986) (citation posture obliges credit Ramirez's account, find box'" little better guidance 1032-1033 (holding "`evidence crime'" "[s]o open-ended" "only warrant"). 21 incumbent ensure conducted.6 proceeding correctly III 22 Having turn question Wilson Layne, 526 603, 609 (1999). answer depends transgressed "`clearly established'" is, "whether confronted." 202 (2001). 23 text Constitution, Harlow Fitzgerald, 457 800, 818-819 (1982) ("If established, defense ordinarily fail, competent public official know governing conduct"). 989-990. fact, guidelines department liable manifestly An ATF directive time warned: "Special their while face Searches Examinations, Order O 3220.1(7)(d) (Feb. 13, 1997). id., 3220.1(23)(b) error deficiency discovered probability invalidate executed. postponed until satisfactory obtained").7 cursory reading case—perhaps just simple glance revealed glaring constitutionally fatal. 24 rule, well Payton, 586-588. nearly years ago Sheppard: unconstitutional." 5.8 word suggest fits fundamental tenet, asking us, effect, craft new exception. Absent support expectation 25 contends product, worst, due care, more negligent behavior depriving Malley Briggs, 475 335, 341 (1986). companion "a i. e., failing particularize case.9 Accordingly, 27 ordered. Notes: ofamici reversal State Texas et al. Greg Abbott, R. Ted Cruz, General, Barry McBee, First Jay Kimbrough, Ryan D. Clinton, Attorneys respective follows: Gregg Renkes Alaska, M. Jane Brady Delaware, Charles Crist, Jr., Florida, Mark Bennett Hawaii, Steve Carter Indiana, Curran, Maryland, Mike Hatch Minnesota, Moore Mississippi, Brian Sandoval Nevada, Drew Edmondson Oklahoma, Michael Fisher Pennsylvania, Lawrence E. Long South Dakota, William H. Sorrell Vermont, Jerry Kilgore Virginia, Christine O. Gregoire Washington, Peggy Lautenschlager Wisconsin. Possession items, unregistered, violate 922(o)(1) 5861. stated: "[T]here now [on premises] property, namely [a] single two story height color additions attached east. front entrance faces southerly direction." 26a Its sufficiency disputed For reason misplaced. InMassachusetts 981 suggested judge, officers," "[a]n dimension," 990, judge assured requesting take steps requirements, 986. [that] rely judge's assurances requested." 989, 6. contrast, alert drafted, aware authorizing. patently defective, deficiency. 915, 922, (1984). true, points out, Rule 41 Federal Rules Criminal Procedure serve owner commencing 41(f)(3) provides must: (A) receipt taken whom, taken; (B) leave where took property." Quite obviously, circumstances—a surreptitious wiretap, empty abandoned premises impracticable imprudent show advance. SeeKatz 355, (1967); Ker 374 23, 37-41 (1963). Whether refuse furnish outset when, occupant poses threat safe effective performance mission, present. Appeals' decision consistent principle. mischaracterizes court's novel proofreading warrants. leading "mak[e] authorizes conduct." 1027 duty proofread; rather, conforms requirements whenever violates internal guideline. refer underscore execute bothSheppard Leon involved "good faith" exclusionary same standard reasonableness context suppression hearing defines accorded 344 KENNEDY dissent allowed "`ample room mistaken judgments,'"post, 571 Malley, 343), "difficult important tasks demand full attention heat ongoing often dangerous criminal investigation," 568. contend sort exigency drafted situation, therefore, recognized "officers difficult process making arrests warrants" require "some latitude." 87 (1987). according correctness paper forms" higher status "substantive rights." Post, As explained, subject duly scope. substantive authorizing detect agrees magnitude, post page. 28 whom CHIEF joins, dissenting. 29 I agree disagree obtained role my view, receive 30 believed" "in light information possessed." Creighton, 483 635, 641 notes, "`good faith'" rule. ante, 565, (1986)). central someone position mistakenly conclude supra, 641. 206 (2001); Hunter Bryant, 502 224, 227 (1991) (per curiam). conclusion reasons. existing how applied. e. g., Saucier, supra. Alternatively, misunderstand facts assess legality misunderstanding. Arizona Evans, 514 (1995). Finally, elements Our doctrine regardless law, mixed fact. Butz Economou, 438 478, 507 (1978) (noting covers "mere mistakes 32 involves straightforward acknowledge directly, record below made clerical filled out proposed offered Judge. used completed accompanying up third accidentally part noticed entirely point, apparently remained undiscovered reviewed defects. mistake, way. uncontested trained executed 33 language belief. was. charged fulfill serious responsibilities. crime likely searched; articulate specific obtain judge; instruct oversee execution way protects safety, directs thorough professional evidence, avoids unnecessary destruction property. These investigation. 34 complies fully duties excused course filling (1987) (recognizing allow latitude honest warrants"). drafts types obtains approval naturally assumes correctly. checks over miss mistake. tend toward myopia errors. Every lawyer examples wrote, checked, doublechecked, still Law different. recognizes error, course. place. recognize 35 reaches different result construing particularity] Ante, 563. majority surely much obvious, tautological. irrelevant, essential here fail legally 36 gives question. receives sentences end Court's opinion. sentence, quotes dictum 923 effect "`a i.e., seized—that valid.'" 565. second informs explanation "[t]his case." reasoning convincing. 37 To understand passage relies upon, helps challenges arise occurred. target improper brings civil action challenging or, filed, moves suppress fruits inquiry instances reliance reasonable. supra (apartment wrongly realize apartments floor entire floor); (1995) (person arrested employee's person's arrest); McCleary Navarro, 504 966 (1992) (White, denial certiorari) (house informant told suspect lived right, right). 38 comes discussion "an [who] [defective] abided terms" reasonably. 922. warrant." includes examples, among them case: "[D]epending circumstances 39 interprets mean Read context, quoted addressed quite issue. natural interpretation "abid[e] written. 40 confront here, suggests one. usual injured unusual contain point. stressed encouraging recourse procedure" best overly standards courts review 237 (1983). "provides ample protection incompetent knowingly law." 341. inconsistent principles. analysis Nation's concentrate forms rights. "duty requirements" sounds laudable, 563, regime strict liability "ample judgments" jurisprudence traditionally provides. 343. reasons, dissent. 43 SCALIA joins 44 provides: people secure persons, houses, papers, effects, seizures, violated, precise relationship Warrant Clause Unreasonableness unclear. explicitly While textually consider [a requirement] implicit reasonableness," 582 (SCALIA, concurring judgment), certainly mandate result. history, principal (general warrants), required, ever. nature ability founding, history common guidance. 45 result, vacillated imposing categorical applying standard. Compare Thompson Louisiana, 469 17, curiam), Rabinowitz, 339 56, 65 (1950). frequently unreasonable, see, 583 (1980), plethora exceptions unreasonableness, 762-763 (1969) (searches incident Ross, 456 798, 800 (automobile searches); Biswell, 406 311, 315-317 (1972) "pervasively regulated" businesses); 534-539 (1967) (administrative Warden, Md. Penitentiary Hayden, 294, (exigent circumstances); Carney, 471 386, 390-394 (1985) (mobile Lafayette, 640, 648 (inventory Almeida-Sanchez 413 266, 272 (1973) (border searches). stand illuminating proposition per se except, course, not. 46 Today holds "so deficient" ensuing 558-559. However, sheer seriously undermine bases today rests holding. Instead adding confusing jurisprudence, done, principles determine Clause. current framework, "warrantless Consequently, ask Furthermore, Constitution (and particular, rights), confused state actions, respectfully 47 "[A]ny separate questions: accordance Clause, and, not, `reasonable' first." 961 (STEVENS, dissenting). By categorizing one, declines perform ignores past. involving generally involve situations later determined sought 635 (officer robbery hiding there); (striking down York statute routine arrest). treating issued, glosses key inquiry: always treat 48 renders citation footnote noting sole th[e] warrant," rejected constitutional, declined merely "fact-bound importance." Sheppard assumed purposes analysis. Rather dicta buried analyze arguably dispositive 49 rejects details "`[t]he function.'" 557 (1948)). physical existence typewritten function. Clause's lies "Fourth searchee's] 560. 50 point denies men draw evidence. consists requiring neutral detached instead judged engaged competitive enterprise ferreting crime. Any assumption magistrate's disinterested determination justify reduce nullity people's homes discretion officers. yield decided policeman government agent." 10, 13-14 (1948) (footnotes 51 actual manifestations protection. contrast truly (due mistake) specify passed contains details, searchee benefit seize circumstance, justification falls away. 52 (Magistrate). adjustment correction received McDonald. Under constitutes Instead, whether, resulting hence constitutional. 53 Prior briefed review. authorized. Finding nothing. 1025 Upon putting hard imagine carried 54 eminently "there affidavit" "unless itself." authorize 560-561. theoretical matter, true. inference everything adjustments itself. 55 attempts bolster focus faulty assure 561. recognizes, 562, apprise prior especially where, promptly requisite detected. Additionally, adopts view searchee's "be lookout carrying 1027, provision interest. 56 assuming `objective reasonableness' action, [v. 819 (1982)], assessed rules `clearly established' taken." 639. outcome "depends substantially level generality relevant `legal rule' identified. Due Process sense right." apply plaintiffs convert virtually unqualified alleging extremely abstract criticized considering "right one's circumstances." 640. (albeit fact-specific) Anderson's lawful, 57 defining too assessing circumstances. true invalid—let alone nonexistent. entitlement then, turns objectively 58 "depending makes Leon's good-faith circumstance. explain why initial preparing it. each year, combined prepare sometimes somewhat comprehensive applications, inevitable acting faith occasionally 59 remaining directing proofread magistrate, already anything requested suggesting prepares executes never proper. although normally object 60 impose warrants, decision, nothing actions After receiving allegations detailing investigation allegations, verification sources allegations. properly signature limits. discovered, reasonable, 61 foregoing

Classification Label: 7