Court Opinion

ID: 9577358
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-21 21:34:08.231498+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T13:20:25.475775
License: Public Domain

Hallows, C. J.
(dissenting). I think the search was illegal. The location on the defendant’s farm was protected and was not an “open field” within the meaning of that doctrine. I cannot accept the proposition that a sheriff on suspicion can dig up a person’s property with a backhoe or bulldozer, looking for evidence of crime. The majority opinion, while disapproving of what the sheriff did, apparently considers it was a reasonable search under the constitution. I also disagree with the dicta criticizing the exclusionary rule and in this respect agree with the concurring opinion of Mr. Justice Wilkie.