Reading Assignment for Section 3.3

Read the following subsection from our online textbook: Section 3.3: Warrant Service.

What You Will Learn

In this section, you’ll explore the legal procedures and constitutional considerations involved in serving warrants. You’ll learn when and why law enforcement may use force or force entry, as well as how the scope of a search must align with warrant specifications and legal doctrines like plain view. Additionally, you’ll examine the rights of individuals during warrant execution and the legal framework for protective sweeps, gaining insight into how these practices balance officer safety and constitutional protections.

Student Learning Outcomes for Section 3.3

• SLO 1: Explain the legal justifications for forcing entry during warrant service, including circumstances involving consent refusal, preservation of evidence, and officer safety.
• SLO 2: Describe the principles guiding the scope of a search, including adherence to warrant specifications and the application of the plain view doctrine.
• SLO 3: Analyze the constitutional standards governing the use of force during warrant service, with reference to landmark cases such as Graham v. Connor and Tennessee v. Garner.
• SLO 4: Evaluate the rights and responsibilities of individuals present at the search scene, including their ability to observe the search and the conditions under which law enforcement may detain them.
• SLO 5: Define protective sweeps, including their legal basis established in Maryland v. Buie, and assess their role in ensuring officer safety during warrant execution.