NCJ Number
133196
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 60 Issue: 11 Dated: (November 1991) Pages: 27-32
Date Published
1991
Length
6 pages
Annotation
During the 1990-1991 term, the US Supreme Court ruled on eight cases of particular relevance to law enforcement officers. These cases addressed issues concerning fourth and fifth amendment guarantees.
Abstract
Specifically, the Court ruled on the circumstances under which fourth amendment seizures can occur when an officer chases a fleeing suspect on foot or when he approaches a bus passenger. Another case involved the length of time officers can maintain custody of a citizen arrested without a warrant before the arrestee is entitled to a judicial probable cause determination. The Court modified the constitutional standards governing the warrantless search of a package containing evidence of a crime that is placed in a vehicle and clarified the permissible scope of a vehicle search based on consent. In terms of fifth amendment issues, the Court considered the effect of a request for counsel on interrogation practices and the extent to which an appearance at a judicial hearing with counsel is sufficient to invoke the Miranda right to counsel. Another Court ruling determined whether a promise by an informant inmate to protect a fellow inmate from other prisoners renders a subsequent confession involuntary.