Question

The Supreme Court has recognized for some time that searches of individuals conducted incident to lawful arrest are permissible without a warrant (Weeks v. United States, 1914). However, the Court has often interpreted Weeks quite broadly, allowing the searches of homes, automobiles, and so on. Discuss the Court's pattern regarding allowable searches. Specifically, under what conditions are searches of individuals allowable without a warrant? How far does that right to search extend, and under what circumstances? How have the Court's decisions regarding the right to search automobiles, homes, and property changed over time?
Do you feel that the evolution of the Court's search and seizure policy has been consistent? If not, identify instances where the Court has diverged significantly from its previous decisions and offer explanations for such changes.

Answer

*A. Varies