Legal Document

451 U.S. 204 101 Supreme Court Reporter 1642 68 United States Reports Lawyer’s Edition 2d Series KF101.8 U54 38 Gary Keith STEAGALD, Petitioner,v.UNITED STATES. Number 79-6777. Argued Jan. 14, 1981. Decided April 21, Syllabus Pursuant to an arrest warrant for one Lyons, Drug Enforcement Administration agents entered petitioner's home search Lyons without first obtaining a warrant. In the course of searching found cocaine and other incriminating evidence but did not find Lyons. Petitioner was then arrested indicted on federal drug charges. His pretrial motion suppress all uncovered during his ground that it illegally obtained because had failed obtain denied by District Court, petitioner convicted. The Appeals affirmed. Held : 1. Government is precluded from contending in this lacked expectation privacy searched sufficient prevail Fourth Amendment claim, where argument never raised courts below rather made contrary assertions those acquiesced their findings. Pp. 208-211. 2. question violated Amendment, took place absence consent or exigent circumstances. 211-222. (a) Absent circumstances consent, may be Two distinct interests were implicated case—Lyons' interest being free unreasonable seizure home. Because addressed only former interest, no more reasonable perspective than would have been if conducted any therefore Amendment. 211-216. (b) Common law, Government's assertion, does furnish precedent upholding sheds little light narrow issue presented whether warrant, as opposed adequate protect persons named when Moreover, history strongly suggests its Framers sanctioned question. 217-220. (c) A requirement under case will significantly impede effective law enforcement efforts. An alone suffices enter suspect's own residence, and, probable cause exists, required apprehend suspected felon public place. exigent-circumstances doctrine limits situations which needed. And necessary, inconvenience incurred police generally insignificant. event, whatever practical problems there are requiring cases such this, they cannot outweigh constitutional at stake protecting right presumptively innocent people secure homes unjustified, forcible intrusions government. 220-222. 606 Federal Reporter, 2nd 540 615 642, reversed remanded. John Richard Young, Atlanta, Ga., petitioner. Andrew L. Frey, Washington, D. C., respondent. Justice MARSHALL delivered opinion Court. 1 whether, officer legally subject third party Concluding must absent we reverse judgment Fifth Circuit affirming conviction. 2 * early January 1978, agent (DEA) contacted Detroit, Mich., confidential informant who suggested he might able locate Ricky fugitive wanted On called again, gave him telephone number area where, according informant, could reached next 24 hours. 16, fellow DEA Agent Kelly Goodowens Atlanta relayed information informant. Southern Bell Telephone Co., secured address corresponding also discovered 6-month-old 3 days later, 11 officers drove supplied company observed two men standing outside house searched. These Hoyt Gaultney Steagald. approached with guns drawn, frisked both men, after demanding identification, determined neither man Several proceeded house. Gaultney's wife answered door, informed she She told her hands against wall guarded position while found, what believed cocaine. Upon discovery, sent meantime second house, additional evidence. During pursuant 43 pounds 4 Prior trial, moved various searches before entering testified suppression hearing "physical hinderance" preventing do so justify entry search. agreed view, motion. convicted, renewed challenge appeal. divided affirmed Court's denial versus Gaultney, (1979).1 important one2 has Circuits,3 granted certiorari. 449 819, 71, 66 21. II 5 initially seeks avert our consideration Circuit's decision suggesting may, regardless merits decision, lack claim. This below. brief opposition certiorari represented "petitioner's residence" "occupied petitioner, wife." Brief Opposition 1, 3. However, now contends record clearly show hence urges us remand re-examination factual 6 We decline follow disposition. Aside arguing constitutionally required, entitled defend charge unlawful asserting home, consented search, justified entry. Government, however, lose raise issues sort below, findings courts, questions timely fashion litigation. 7 conclude case. Magistrate's report motion, adopted characterized "the person" App. 12. sought correct characterization appeal, instead view trial appeal argued successfully connection establish constructive possession suitcase closet house.4 concluded, Magistrate claim involved type necessary "premises belonging party." F.2d, 544. Again, declined disturb characterization. When review filed cross-petition suggesting, now, remanded further proceedings. Instead, unnecessary. Finally, expressly residence. 8 Thus, these proceedings directly connect statements characterizing similar concessions own. Now, years return issue.5 tactical advantages disposition obvious, prevailed upon remand, relieved task defending conclude, through assertions, concessions, acquiescence, lost assertion possessed legitimate turn III 9 one.6 here Except special situations, consistently held into conduct make unless done See Payton New York, 445 573, 100 1371, 63 639 (1980); Johnson States, 333 10, 13-15, 367, 368-369, 92 L.Ed. 436 (1948). recently observed: "In terms apply equally seizures property persons, drawn firm line entrance circumstances, threshold reasonably crossed warrant." supra, U.S., 590, S.Ct., 1382. See, Coolidge Hampshire, 403 443, 474-475, 477-478, 91 2022, 2042-2043, 2044, 29 564 (1971); Jones 357 493, 497-498, 78 1253, 1256-1257, 514 (1958); Agnello 269 20, 32-33, 46 4, 6, 70 145 (1925). Here, course, warrant—one authorizing asserted person convicted basis residence warrant—as warrant—is 10 purpose allow neutral judicial assess As often explained, placement checkpoint between citizen implicitly acknowledges "officer engaged competitive enterprise ferreting out crime," 369, objectivity weigh correctly strength supporting contemplated action individual's liberty 449-451, 2029-2030; McDonald 335 451, 455-456, 69 191, 193, 93 153 serve probable-cause determination review, protected warrants differ. issued magistrate showing exists believe committed offense thus primarily serves individual seizure. contrast object located particular place, safeguards possessions unjustified intrusion police. adequately safeguarded depends authorized do. To sure, embodied finding felony, seize use home; instead, relied legal authority based belief guest there. Regardless how been, subjected detached scrutiny officer. seizure, absolutely nothing invasion protection illegal agent's personal cause. judicially untested determinations reliable enough person's objects supra; supra. see reason depart settled object.7 12 ] conclusion—that police, acting decide justification warrant—would create significant potential abuse. Armed solely single person, friends acquaintances. e. g., Lankford Gelston, 364 197 (CA4 1966) (enjoining practice 300 fugitives). pretext suspicion, believe, activity taking Cf. Chimel California, 395 752, 767, 89 2034, 2042, 23 685 (1969). recognizes abuses,8 existing remedies—such motions procured damages actions violations—provide means redress. agree. previous occasion, "[t]he [Fourth] designed prevent, simply redress, action." 766, n. 12, Indeed, implement Amendment's prohibition seizures, need objects. concluded participation essential element same conclusion should here.9 13 sum, here—Ricky Lyons' Since warrantless impermissible instant IV 14 concedes "apparently logical," furthers general policies underlying "has virtue producing symmetry things seized seized." 36. Yet "not flaws" common-law creates some enforcement. treat contentions turn. 15 common within limits,10 instructive determining sorts regarded reasonable. 591, forcibly execute several commentators suggest constable "break open doors" effect arrest. Judge Chitty, Criminal Law *57 (Chitty); M. Foster, Crown 320 (1762) (Foster); Hale, Pleas 116-117 (1st Am. ed. 1847) (Hale). But E. Coke, Institutes *177. support proposition, rely Semayne's Case, Co.Rep. 91a, 92b-93a, 77 Eng.Rep. 194, 198 (K.B.1603).11 Chitty *57; Foster 320; Hale 116. Although sheriff civil service court noted dictum "escape ordinary process law" seeking refuge party. Co.Rep., 93a, Eng.Rep., 198. language ambiguity, party's permissible pursued refers "flies" another's ibid., annotation notes "in order breaking outer door; request take . stranger, understood pursuit taketh another." Id., (I), 198, (I) (emphasis original). appear limitation. (sheriff parties' "if offender fly refuge"); ("For Stranger whose Residence elsewhere, Pursuit Refuge House another, Castle, He Benefit Sanctuary it"); 116, 20 (forcible "only strong necessity"). long recognized "hot pursuit" fall exception requirement, Warden Hayden, 387 294, 87 1642, 18 782 (1967), distinguishable routine situation here. 16 More important, very different authorities relies concerned sanctuary hiding 116-117. Case 17 "[T]he castle privilege himself, shall extend flies goods brought conveyed prevent lawful execution, escape law; extends family, proper goods." 128. recognized, recent decisions, rights conferred nature, bestow vicarious Salvucci, 448 83, 2547, 65 619 Rakas Illinois, 439 128, 99 421, 58 (1978). here, can apprehended another residents complain focus addressing latter, usefulness limited. anything, guidance gleaned undercuts position. quoted above, example, although party, remained "castle privilege" residents. Similarly, fully insulate trespass 116-117, 151. 19 While relatively us, intended partly abuses occurred England writs assistance used Colonies. 608-609, 1391-1392 (WHITE, J., dissenting); Boyd 116 616, 624-629, 524, 529-532, 746 (1886); N. Lasson, History Development Constitution 13-78 (1937). specified offense—typically seditious libel—and left discretion executing officials places Colonies search—any uncustomed goods—and customs completely be. central objectionable feature provided check available Stanford Texas, 379 476, 481-485, 85 506, 509-512, 431 (1965). extent invoked parties, suffers infirmity.12 Like writ assistance, specifies search—in case, Lyons—and leaves unfettered condoned result. B arise arrest.13 concern objects, inherently mobile, forced times moves convinced, 21 First, few. 602-603, 1388-1389, suffice Furthermore, Watson, 423 411, 96 820, 598 (1976). readily leaving party.14 For fugitive. Santana, 427 38, 42-43, 2406, 2409-2410, 49 (1976); (1967). pose problems, accommodate needs. 22 significant. know location burden time miniscule. increase outstanding already exists. knew advance, planned raid courthouse informed, three full-time magistrates duty. short seldom hinder efforts felon. nearby, telephonic usually obtained. Fed.Rule Crim.Proc. 41(c)(1), (2). Whatever remain, stake. Any impedes vigor seek enforce laws, yet restraint seizures. imposed minimal. contrast, protected—that Government—is weighty. render required. Accordingly, reversed, consistent opinion. 25 So ordered. 26 THE CHIEF JUSTICE concurs judgment. 27 REHNQUIST, whom WHITE joins, dissenting. 28 reversing conviction proceeds pristinely simple manner: Steagald dwelling even though premises sole valid justice, within, invading Steagald's dwelling. validated latter. words Court: Amendment." Ante, 216. 30 "reasoning" assumes answer presented—whether undertaken warrant—but conveniently ignores critical fact existence specifically relevance Incidental infringements occur interests. Dalia 441 238, 1682, 60 177 (1979), rejected separate business office install eavesdropping device itself put it: "This Warrant Clause parses too finely Often interfere explicitly considered judge 257, 1693 supplied). (1980), suggestion quite "constitutionally require doors law." 1388-1389. 31 therefore, resolved Aristotelian syllogism employs. affected ends matter; presents decision. Resolution balancing "need entails." Camara Municipal San Francisco, 523, 537, 1727, 1735, 930 cases, "reasonableness still ultimate standard." 539, 1736. Wyman James, 400 309, 318, 381, 386, 408 Marshall Barlow's, Inc., 307, 315-316, 98 1816, 1822, 56 305 reasonableness dispensing & N Dec. Immigration Nationality Decisions highly relevant. 32 government's third-party compelling. basic problem confronting inherent mobility By definition, stay week, day, minutes. Fugitives justice tend way knowing McKinney, 259, 263 (CA6 1967); State Jordan, 288 Or. 391, 400-401, 605 Pacific 646, 651 (1980) (en banc). Imposition frustrate compelling government indeed apprehension warrants. 33 responses real concerns singularly unpersuasive. It downplays them stating few," ante, 221, suspect wait until leaves, since needed Ibid. beguilingly answers serious wash. Criminals likely homes, reduce likelihood staking possible exits costs stakeout seems excessive era rising crime scarce resources." 619, 1397 dissenting). ivory tower misconception realities fugitives reaches apogee states: felon." 222. considering "routine cases." They attempted arrest, flee including "short time" endeavoring 34 At interference nearly functions would. assures occupants present official business. scope specifying i. e., No permitted, areas hide. Fisher Volz, 496 333, 343 (CA3 1974); P.2d, 651; Cravero, 545 406, nn. (CA5 1976), cert. denied, 429 1100, 97 1123, 51 549 430 983, 1679, 52 377 (1977). Indeed occupant's all, opportunity voluntarily surrender door. Even secretes himself occupant limit pointing remember contraband plain "sweep search" probing drawers cabinets contraband. 540, 544 (1979). 35 concededly great, carries high possibility apprehension, application traditional "reasonableness" standard this. 36 supported existed framing incorporated "reasonableness." last Term "An examination understanding officer's obviously relevant, entirely dispositive, thought reasonable." 1382-1383; id., 604, 1389 duty populace aid felons well established Roberts 552, 557, 1358, 1362-1363, 622 overriding permitted parties wrote refuge, privileged, broken usual demand; process." (hereafter Chitty). Gabbett agreed: "Neither open, Gabbett, 142 (1843) Gabbett). "[a]nd much break him, Crown, 117 (1736) Hale). (1762).1 17th-century work constables noted: 37 "[I]t chief part represse fellony, albeit man's doth dwell in, doe fellon search; owner request, dores, dores come search." W. Sheppard, Offices Constables, ch. 8, § 2, no. (c. 1650) (quoted T. Taylor, Studies Constitutional Interpretation 28-29 (1969)). leading authority, (K.B.1603), that: made, house." Ratcliffe Burton, Bos. Pul. 223, 230, 127 123, 126-127 (C.P.1802), Heath ruled doors, announce rule "must hold good escape, taken stranger. Shall said door stranger's declaring acts. .?" Thus distinction Commonwealth Reynolds, 120 Mass. 190, 196-197 (1876); cf. Brown, Del. [Harrington] 505 (1854).2 39 argues relevant consider dwellings arrestee. 218-219. so. typically resist entering. supra ; *57-*58; 117; Russell 519-521. 40 error treatment reliance adage "a castle." Though undoubtedly accepted uncritical statement black letter area. William Pitt, Prime Minister England, telling speech floor Commons; parliamentary speaking ability analytical ought equated another. clear King i.e., criminal issued. 520; 141; Burdett Abbott, East. 79, 104 501, 531 (K.B.1811); 196. That far back Year Books. Y.B. Edw. IV, f. 9a Burdett, 531). opinion, 219, 'castle privilege' residents," unfounded context. 41 one's owner, "so him," 117. Entry fortiori himself. process, let process. 142; Wilgus, Arrest Without Warrant, Mich.L.Rev. 798, 800-801 (1924). Sovereign's key—criminal process—unlocked someone else. 42 subscribe today, falsely cry "wolf" dissent. rests set facts, change reasoning side makes "home" If living period, say few days, certainly purposes, owned others there, concurrently maintains elsewhere well. side, fleeting premises, mere visitor, exist justifying immediate departing damage today's Constitution, minimal carefully congeries facts actual them. 44 genuinely unfortunate aspect ruling fewer book, criminals apprehended, consequences occur; greater misfortune increased uncertainty field, committing magistrates, judges, confront variations permutations day-to-day basis. will, capacities, building, lived leave immediately, related imponderable questions. Certainty repose, Holmes said, destiny man, hoped higher degree certainty offered "when holds believes arresting subject." 421 (1976), Kravitch dissented known insufficient 548. petition rehearing, Kravitch, again dissent, contended majority's announced "rule questionable validity wisdom" "disturbing erosion parties." 644 (1980). Updated: unresolved. 583, 1378, Three Circuits Virgin Islands Gereau, 502 914, 928 1974), 420 909, 95 829, 839 (1975); Wallace King, 626 1157, 1158-1159 1980), pending, 80-503; Prescott, 581 1343, 1347-1350 (CA9 1978). joined adopting 262-263 Harper, 550 610, 612-614 (CA10), 434 837, 54 Second subscribes latter Manley, 632 978, 983 Columbia indicated cases. Ford, 180 U.S.App.D.C. 45, 553 146, 159, 45 Courts open. Adams, 621 41, 44, (CA1 1980); Rice Wolff, 513 1280, 1291-1292, (CA8 1975), rev'd grounds sub nom. Stone Powell, 428 465, 3037, 1067 Seventh conflict, most modern agree LaFave, Search Seizure: Treatise 374, 384-385 (1978); Rotenberg Tanzer, Searching Person Be Seized, Ohio St.L.J. 56, 67-71 (1974); Groot, Arrests Private Dwellings, 67 Va.L.Rev. 275 (1981); Note, Neglected Problem Entries, Stan.L.Rev. 995, 997-999 Comment, Arresting Suspect Third Party's Home: What Reasonable?, 72 J.Crim.L. C. 293 (1981). Mascolo, Warrants Warrants: Seizure Home Party, Conn.Bar 299 Appeals, accepting contention, cited checks papers bearing name "Steagald, custody, wearing slacks long-sleeve shirt, clothing inconsistent coldness afternoon, once inside cold requested get sweater coat kitchen area." 546-547. asserts unable acted decided Under "automatic standing" 362 80 725, 697 (1960), charged possessory Salvucci overruled limited claims altered jurisprudence extent, rationale large extension earlier "legitimate invaded place." 143, 430. ill omen continued vitality briefed easily significance Rakas, despite outset defendant legality given explanation why regard equal oppose explicit contrary. Initially, assume deciding concerning whereabouts agents. wording admits exemption thing. previously noted, private clause governs issuance warrants, provides "no cause, Oath affirmation, particularly describing searched, plainly object. Specifically, magistrate, officer, Payton, authorize reasoned: "If citizen's felony persuade justified, law. founded lives within." authorizes deprive liberty, necessarily analysis, inapplicable Such embodies whatsoever regarding embody derivative deprivation independent held, province "an undesirable attributes premises." 42. agrees abuse less implicit authorization confined anyone else's particularized present." remedies pitfalls limitations. recover possibly thwarted good-faith defense recognized. 1161. accorded kept perspective, decisions "simply frozen practices passage." 33, 1382-1383, 33. rules governing arrests evolved society simpler ours today. Crime changed, enforcement, naive English American village centuries ago govern we, society, proper. Katz 389 347, 352-353, 88 507, 511-512, 576 "unreasonable seizures" interpreted contemporary norms conditions." Leigh, Taunt. 246, 248, 128 1029, 1029-1030 (C.P.1815), dealt "outer door" attaches dwelling, owner's Hutchison Birch, 625, 473, 476 (C.P.1812). apparently equivalent Sheers Brooks, Bl.H. 120, 122, 126 463, 464 (C.P.1792), Kelsy Wright, Root 83 (Conn.1783), arrested. problem. entries sort, 3, indication jurisdictions suffered inclined point considerable skepticism. 602, 1388. "it policy Administration, prior making consent." 9, 7. "inherent mobility" avoid altogether waiting attempting suspect. cites Coke 217 Coke's disagreement extended indicted. indicted, sherif force kings demand delivered; done, &c. ." 543 strives minimize applied pursuit," 218. impose "pursuit" did, see, Russell, Crimes Misdemeanors 521 (2d 1826) Russell), referred old mode pursuing," "hue cry." *26; Blackstone, Commentaries (J. Wendell 1847); 98. 91b-93a, 196 (K.B.1603) ("J. beats R. danger death, flies, thereupon hue retreats pursue defended (which proves made) lawfully K.'s suit"). cry," invoked—for felony—would *27-* 29.

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