In the last post, I covered the general procedure used to obtain and execute a search warrant. The basic rule is that warrantless searches–conducted by an agent of the government–are unreasonable, (and therefore unconstitutional).
Keep in mind that searches by family members, landlords, or other non-governmental persons are not usually covered under the fourth amendment.
Also, there [...]

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The most important thing the U.S. Constitution does is to place limits on governmental power. Despite our government’s failure to respect many of those limits, some are still taken seriously. The fourth amendment is one of those limits:
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches [...]

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When I was in law school I wondered at the complexity of the law and was amazed that I had not run afoul of its prohibitions more often in the past. I imagined myself fortunate to to have avoided trouble and felt relieved that I was “safe” because now I knew the law and could [...]

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A few commentators have noted the bizarre ballot summary created by Missouri Secretary of State Robin Carnahan. To put an amendment onto the ballot, amendment proponents drafted the amendment itself and filed it with the Secretary of State whose duty is to write a fair summary of the initiative to be placed on the signature [...]

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Here is a typical path for a criminal case here in Missouri. Of course, being typical doesn’t mean that it’s done exactly the same in every county. Even so, it may help in understanding what is involved in a case.

Click here for my quick and dirty “Criminal Case Road Map”

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