Court Opinion

ID: 9860281
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-09-24 23:16:59.6216+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T11:20:24.185452
License: Public Domain

Dissenting Opinion
Arterburn, C.J.
I dissent in this case for the reason that the search warrant gave the right of entry and it did not state therein
“upon condition of knocking and informing the occupants of the premises prior thereto”
Politeness, of course, is always a better rule of conduct. However, I know nothing in the Constitution that requires polite*515ness as a right. Generally such precepts ought to be observed where it does not make official acts appear to be foolish when material or property sought to be seized is easily destroyed, or when one sought to be arrested could easily escape and flee. One should not be compelled to go through a certain rigamarole or formality while the party involved nullifies the effectiveness of the warrant.
I feel as a Court we have to be sensible and rational. I find nothing in the constitutional provision that provides that you must knock before you enter under a search warrant.
Although we do not condone rudeness, a guilty defendant should not be freed merely because we might feel a police officer was rude or used poor judgment. The interest of society in the prevention of crime is too great to free guilty persons on such trivialities.
Note.—Reported in 289 N. E. 2d 515.