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California v. Acevedo

Impact



The Acevedo Court established a clear rule for police to follow when searching containers found in vehicles. At the law enforcement level, the decision has broadened police officers' ability to conduct a search without first obtaining a search warrant. It has prevented defendants challenging an automobile search from arguing that a search warrant was necessary. Instead, the only question they can raise is whether there was probable cause to initiate the search. As a practical matter, since the Acevedo decision, evidence obtained in a vehicle search is more likely to be admitted into evidence against a defendant at trial.



Additional topics

Law Library - American Law and Legal InformationNotable Trials and Court Cases - 1989 to 1994California v. Acevedo - Significance, A Uniform Rule For Vehicle Searches, Dissent Finds Warrantless Search Unacceptable, Impact, Kids, Drugs, And Crime