Court Opinion

ID: 9534739
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-07 04:42:31.690429+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T13:32:11.962522
License: Public Domain

Dissenting Opinion by
Wright, J.:
Our approach to problems involving the detection and prosecution of crime should be on the basis of common sense, not super technicality. The affidavit for the search warrant in the instant case discloses that the officer had reliable information that an extensive numbers operation was being conducted in a two-story dwelling at No. 7217 West Passyunk Avenue in the City of Philadelphia. The search resulted in the finding on the first floor of almost one-half million number plays. It is my view that the court below erred in striking down the warrant on the ground that it did not authorize a search of the first floor only. It is not indicated how the officer should have known, if such was actually the case, that the illegal activity was taking place on only one floor. Nor is consideration given to the fact that the appearance of the building justified the officer’s belief that it was operated as a single unit. I would reverse with a procedendo.
Watkins, J., joins in this dissent.