City Of Indianapolis et al. v. Edmond et al. (2000)

"The Fourth Amendment would do little to prevent such intrusions
from becoming a routine part of American life."

Indiana, 1998. A road sign reads "Narcotics Checkpoint Ahead. Be prepared to stop." Police pull cars over, and walk around them with drug-sniffing dogs. When James Edmond is stopped, he sues to stop the checkpoints.

The Supreme Court had approved roadblocks for escaped criminals, drunk drivers, illegal aliens. But the Court sees no legal reason for a Narcotics Checkpoint. "We cannot sanction stops," writes Justice O'Connor, "justified only by the possibility that any given motorist has committed some crime. There would be little check on the authorities' ability to construct roadblocks for almost any conceivable law enforcement purpose. The Fourth Amendment would do little to prevent such intrusions from becoming a routine part of American life."

For more...

Indianapolis v. Edmond WyomingCops

AMENDMENT 4 Protection Against Unreasonable Searches and Seizures

Passed by Congress September 25, 1789. Ratified December 15, 1791.

The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized. [^].

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