How to Write a Case Brief

The primary objective of writing case briefs is to distill the complex and often lengthy judgments of court cases into concise, manageable summaries. This practice is integral to legal education, serving a dual purpose: firstly, it facilitates a deeper understanding of legal principles and precedents, and secondly, it hones the analytical skills necessary to think like a lawyer. By engaging with the raw material of legal decisions, students learn to identify the core issues, reason through the application of law, and articulate the essence of judgments succinctly. This process not only aids in mastering the substance of the law but also cultivates the critical thinking and precise communication skills that are indispensable in legal practice.

Historical Context and Rationale

The tradition of briefing cases is deeply rooted in legal education, stemming from a widespread consensus among law professors about the most effective ways to engage with the law. This consensus holds that direct interaction with legal texts—opinions written by judges—is paramount in developing robust legal acumen. The rationale is straightforward yet profound: to understand the law, one must engage with it as it is applied and articulated by those who interpret it professionally.

 

This educational strategy is predicated on the belief that the complexities of legal reasoning and the nuances of legal language can only be fully appreciated through close and careful study of judicial opinions. These documents are rich with legal doctrine, procedural context, and the application of legal principles to specific factual scenarios. By summarizing cases, students are not merely memorizing legal outcomes but are forced to grapple with the process of legal reasoning itself. They learn to trace how judges arrive at their conclusions, how legal arguments are constructed and deconstructed, and how the specific facts of a case interact with broader legal principles.

Moreover, briefing a case compels students to engage directly with the text, dissect it, and distill its essence. This exercise, repeated over the course of one’s legal education, builds a foundation of legal knowledge that is both broad and deep. It also instills a habit of mind that is analytical, inquisitive, and rigorously logical, qualities that define the legal profession.

In summary, case briefs serve as a bridge between the theoretical frameworks that underpin the law and the practical realities of its application. They are a tool through which students transition from passive recipients of legal knowledge to active participants in legal discourse, preparing them for the challenges of legal practice where the ability to quickly understand and apply legal principles is paramount. This pedagogical approach has stood the test of time, continuously proving its value in cultivating a sophisticated understanding of the law and a sharp legal intellect.

Overview of the Case Briefing Process

Definition and Purpose

A case brief is a succinct summary of a court decision. The essence of a case brief is to condense the facts, legal issues, rationale, and outcome of a lengthy court opinion into a short, digestible format. Its primary purpose is to aid law students and practitioners in understanding and remembering the key aspects of a case, including the legal principles it establishes or applies. By extracting the most important elements of a case, a brief makes it easier to study the evolution of legal doctrines, analyze judicial reasoning, and apply these insights to new or similar legal problems.

The objectives of a case brief extend beyond mere summary. It serves as a tool for critical analysis, enabling the reader to evaluate the court’s decision-making process, question the application of law to the facts, and consider alternative outcomes. This analytical exercise is fundamental to legal education, as it cultivates the skills necessary for legal reasoning and argumentation.

Benefits of Case Briefs

Study Aid: Case briefs are invaluable study aids. They provide a structured summary of complex cases, making it easier to review vast amounts of legal material efficiently. By focusing on the core elements of a case, students can better retain and recall information, which is especially beneficial during exam preparation.

Class Preparation: Case briefs are essential for class preparation. They ensure that students are ready to engage in classroom discussions, respond to questions from professors, and participate in Socratic dialogues. A well-prepared case brief allows students to quickly reference the facts, legal issues, and holdings of a case, facilitating a more informed and meaningful participation in class.

Enhancing Comprehension: The process of briefing a case enhances comprehension of legal texts. It requires students to actively engage with the material, parsing through legal jargon and complex argumentation to identify the essence of the decision. This active engagement improves legal literacy, making it easier to navigate and understand future cases.

Legal Analysis: Briefing cases trains students in legal analysis. By identifying the issue, articulating the rule of law, dissecting the court’s reasoning, and summarizing the conclusion, students practice the process of legal reasoning themselves. This practice lays the foundation for developing their analytical capabilities, enabling them to think critically about legal issues and to craft persuasive legal arguments.

Memory Refreshment: Case briefs serve as quick references that refresh the memory. Whether preparing for class, studying for exams, or needing to recall a particular legal principle later in practice, a brief provides a quick way to jog the memory without having to reread the entire case.

In summary, the case briefing process is a multifaceted exercise that benefits legal education and practice in numerous ways. It not only aids in the acquisition and retention of legal knowledge but also in the development of analytical and critical thinking skills crucial for success in the legal field.

Understanding the IRAC Method in Criminal Justice

Introduction to IRAC: Issue, Rules, Analysis, Conclusion

The IRAC method is a critical framework in legal analysis, offering a structured approach to dissecting legal problems and crafting coherent, persuasive legal arguments. It stands for Issue, Rules, Analysis, and Conclusion and is particularly valuable in the study and practice of criminal justice for its clarity and systematic breakdown of legal reasoning.

Issue: The process begins with identifying the legal question or issue at the heart of the case. This is framed as a straightforward question that the court aims to resolve, focusing on the specific legal challenge or dilemma presented.

Rules: This section outlines the applicable laws, statutes, or legal principles that pertain to the issue. It involves stating the legal framework the court utilizes to inform its decision, including any relevant precedents that establish or clarify these rules.

Analysis: The analysis is where the legal rules are applied to the case’s facts. This crucial part of the process examines the court’s interpretation and application of laws to the specific circumstances of the case, detailing the judicial reasoning that led to the final decision. It provides a comprehensive look at how legal principles are operationalized in real-world scenarios, showcasing the analytical depth of legal reasoning.

Conclusion: Finally, the conclusion summarizes the case’s outcome based on the preceding analysis. It provides a clear answer to the issue posed, encapsulating the court’s decision or ruling.

Adaptations for Criminal Justice

In the context of criminal justice, the IRAC method may be tailored to highlight aspects particularly relevant to this field, such as constitutional implications, the rights of the accused, and the procedures of law enforcement and the judiciary. This adaptation ensures that the analysis is grounded in the principles and concerns central to criminal justice, including:

Constitutional Implications: Given the constitutional dimensions often at play in criminal justice cases, the IRAC method emphasizes analyzing how legal decisions impact constitutional rights and liberties. This focus is crucial in understanding the balance between law enforcement objectives and individual freedoms.

Rights of the Accused: The IRAC analysis in criminal justice pays special attention to the rights of defendants and the legal protections afforded to them. This includes examining how court decisions interpret and apply rights under the constitution, such as the right to a fair trial, the right against self-incrimination, and the right to legal representation.

Law Enforcement Procedures: The method also delves into the procedures followed by law enforcement agencies, scrutinizing their alignment with legal standards and constitutional requirements. This involves a critical assessment of actions such as arrests, searches, and the collection of evidence, evaluating their legality and the implications for justice administration.

Impact on Criminal Justice Practices: The analysis extends to consider the broader impact of legal rulings on criminal justice practices and policies. It assesses how decisions influence law enforcement tactics, prosecutorial strategies, and judicial processes, reflecting on the evolving landscape of criminal justice in response to legal precedents.

In adapting the IRAC method for criminal justice, the emphasis shifts to a more nuanced examination of legal issues through the lens of criminal law and constitutional rights. This approach fosters a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in the legal process, preparing students and practitioners to navigate the intricacies of criminal justice with an informed and critical perspective.

Components of a Case Brief

A well-constructed case brief is a critical tool in legal education and practice, especially within the field of criminal justice. Each component of a case brief serves a specific purpose, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of a judicial decision. Here’s a breakdown of the essential components:

Style (Citation)

Importance: The citation provides the official reference for the case, including the volume number, reporter abbreviation, starting page, and year of the decision. This enables readers to quickly locate the full case for detailed study or reference.

Case Name and Citation Format: The style section at the top of the brief should include the full name of the case, as it appears in the legal reports, and its proper citation. This not only adheres to legal writing standards but also familiarizes students with the conventions of legal documentation.

Procedural History

Understanding the Journey: This section traces the case’s progression through the legal system, from initial filing through appeals. It provides context on how the case arrived at the current court, noting any significant rulings or reversals along the way.

Significance: Understanding procedural history is crucial for grasping the legal standing and implications of the case, including the basis for the court’s jurisdiction and any precedential value the decision may hold.

Facts

Identifying Relevant Facts: The facts of a case lay out the pertinent events or actions that led to the legal dispute. This includes the background context, actions of the parties involved, and any specific incidents that are central to the case.

Distinguishing from Legal Issues: It’s important to differentiate the factual circumstances from the legal questions they raise. The facts provide the foundation for the legal issues, but they are distinct in that they describe what happened, not the legal significance of those events.

Issue

Crafting a Concise Legal Question: The issue is a statement of the legal question that the court must answer. It is usually framed in a manner that can be answered with a simple “yes” or “no,” focusing on the crux of the legal dispute.

Clarity and Precision: A well-phrased issue directly impacts the clarity of the analysis and conclusion. It guides the focus of the brief towards the legal principles being tested or applied in the case.

Rules

Generalizing the Legal Principle(s) at Stake: This section outlines the laws, statutes, legal principles, or precedents that the court applies to the issue. It sets the legal framework within which the court’s analysis operates.

Broad Application: While the case might involve specific circumstances, the rules section abstracts the legal principles to their broader application, highlighting their relevance beyond the immediate case.

Analysis

Exploring the Court’s Reasoning: The analysis is the heart of the brief, detailing how the court applied the legal rules to the facts to arrive at its decision. It delves into the judicial reasoning, evidentiary considerations, and argumentation presented in the case.

Critical Examination: This section offers the opportunity to critically assess the court’s logic, the persuasiveness of its arguments, and the consistency of its application of legal principles.

Conclusion

Summarizing the Court’s Decision: The conclusion succinctly states the outcome of the case—how the court resolved the issue at hand. It includes the final judgment or order issued by the court, such as affirming or reversing lower court decisions, or remanding the case for further proceedings.

Finality and Implications: This part not only provides closure on the case’s legal questions but also suggests the implications of the decision for the parties involved and for future legal precedents.

Naming

Significance of Attributing the Brief: Concluding the brief with the preparer’s name emphasizes the personal responsibility for analyzing and understanding the case. It underscores the role of the brief as a scholarly exercise and a component of legal education.

Each component of a case brief contributes to a deeper understanding and appreciation of the judicial process, offering insights into how legal principles are applied in real-world scenarios. Mastery of this structured approach to legal analysis is fundamental in the development of critical thinking and analytical skills in criminal justice education.

Close Reading for Legal Analysis

Definition and Importance

Close reading is a methodical approach to understanding text that involves examining and reflecting on the words, structure, and implicit meanings of a document. In legal contexts, close reading is essential due to the precision and complexity of legal language, where every word can have significant implications. This analytical process enables practitioners and students to dissect judicial opinions, statutes, and legal documents to grasp their full meaning, discern the nuances of legal arguments, and understand the application of law to specific facts.

The importance of close reading in legal analysis cannot be overstated. Legal texts are dense and complex, often filled with terminology and concepts unique to the law. A close reading helps to unpack these complexities, ensuring a thorough understanding of the legal principles at play and their implications for the case at hand. It also aids in developing critical thinking and analytical skills that are crucial for effective legal reasoning and argumentation.

Techniques for Close Reading

• Annotating the Text: Start by annotating the document, highlighting key phrases, noting definitions of legal terms, and marking passages that raise questions or seem particularly important to the case’s outcome.
• Understanding Context: Consider the broader context of the document, including its place in the legal system, the historical and social conditions at the time of writing, and its relationship to other legal texts or precedents.
• Questioning the Text: Engage with the text by asking questions about its content, purpose, and implications. Why was this particular word or phrase used? What are the possible interpretations of this passage? How does this section contribute to the overall argument or decision?
• Looking for Patterns and Contrasts: Identify patterns in the text, such as repeated themes or concepts, as well as contrasts, such as differing viewpoints or alternative interpretations of the law.
• Evaluating the Evidence: Assess the evidence presented in support of legal arguments, considering its relevance, reliability, and sufficiency.

Applying Close Reading to Each Component

Facts: Focus on identifying the relevant facts of the case, distinguishing them from irrelevant details. Pay attention to the sequence of events, the parties involved, and any discrepancies or ambiguities in the factual narrative.

Issue: Isolate the central legal question or issue presented by the case. This requires discerning the specific legal dilemma the court is addressing, often encapsulated in a question that the court seeks to answer.

Rules: Identify the legal rules, principles, or statutes at play. This involves recognizing the sources of law the court cites, understanding their application, and noting how they are interpreted within the context of the case.

Analysis: Examine the court’s reasoning in applying the rules to the facts. This includes understanding the logical structure of the argument, the precedents relied upon, and the interpretation of legal principles. Consider alternative arguments or interpretations and why they were rejected or accepted.

Conclusion: Summarize the court’s final decision, noting how the issue was resolved and the legal reasoning supporting this outcome. Reflect on the implications of the decision for the parties involved and for future cases.

Close reading is a skill that develops with practice and is fundamental to legal analysis. By applying these techniques to each component of a case brief, students and practitioners can enhance their understanding of legal documents, improve their analytical skills, and become more effective in legal reasoning and argumentation.

Critical Legal Terms and Concepts

Key Terms

Certiorari: A Latin term meaning “to be informed of,” certiorari is a writ issued by a higher court directing a lower court to send up a case for review. The U.S. Supreme Court uses certiorari to select most of the cases it hears, focusing on those that raise significant legal questions or where there is a need to resolve conflicting decisions in lower courts.

Dicta (Singular: Dictum): Statements in a court’s opinion that go beyond the facts before it and therefore are not essential to the decision. While dicta can provide insight into the court’s thinking, they are not binding precedents and should be distinguished from the holding.

Holding: The holding of a case is the court’s determination of a matter of law pivotal to its decision. The holding is the part of the case that establishes legal precedent and is binding in future cases with similar issues or facts.

Concurrence: A concurring opinion agrees with the decision of the majority of the court but offers different reasons for reaching that conclusion. Concurrences can shed light on different legal interpretations and may influence the development of the law.

Dissent: A dissenting opinion disagrees with the majority’s decision. Dissents are important for understanding the full scope of legal debate within the court and may become influential in future legal arguments or shifts in legal standards.

Application in Case Briefs

Understanding these terms enhances the quality of case briefs by providing a clearer picture of the court’s decision-making process and the legal precedents set by a case.

Certiorari: Recognizing when and why the Supreme Court grants certiorari helps in understanding the significance of a case within the broader legal landscape. It indicates that the case raises questions deemed worthy of the Court’s attention, suggesting its importance in clarifying or establishing legal principles.

Dicta: Distinguishing dicta from the holding is crucial in focusing on what is legally binding versus what is commentary. This awareness ensures that case briefs accurately reflect the legal precedents established in a decision, avoiding overemphasis on non-binding observations.

Holding: Identifying the holding is central to any case brief, as it encapsulates the legal rule that emerges from a case. An accurate articulation of the holding enables the reader to grasp the essential legal principle at issue and its applicability to future cases.

Concurrence and Dissent: Including concurrences and dissents in a case brief provides a fuller view of the legal arguments and considerations that influenced the court. These opinions can offer alternative perspectives on the law, highlight areas of legal contention, and signal potential shifts in legal doctrine. They enrich the analysis and understanding of the case, illustrating the complexity of legal reasoning and the diversity of judicial thought.

In sum, a deep understanding of these terms and concepts allows for a more nuanced and comprehensive analysis in case briefs. It not only aids in accurately summarizing the judicial decision but also in appreciating the multifaceted nature of legal reasoning and the development of the law.

Practical Exercise: Briefing a Case

Case Selection: Arizona v. Hicks

For our practical exercise, we’ll be briefing the case of Arizona v. Hicks, 480 U.S. 321 (1987). This Supreme Court case addresses significant Fourth Amendment issues regarding the seizure of evidence without a warrant. The facts revolve around police entering an apartment without a warrant after a shooting and subsequently moving stereo equipment to record serial numbers, which were later determined to be stolen. The primary legal question involved the constitutionality of the evidence seizure under the “plain view” doctrine when the evidence itself was not in plain view until after officers moved it.

Briefing Using the IRAC Method and Close Reading 

1. Issue

Begin by articulating the legal issue at hand: Was the seizure of the stereo equipment in Hicks’ apartment, which was moved to reveal its serial numbers, a violation of the Fourth Amendment’s protection against unreasonable searches and seizures?

2. Rules

Identify the relevant legal rules:

1. The Fourth Amendment’s requirement for a warrant for searches and seizures.
2. The “plain view” doctrine as an exception to the warrant requirement.

3. Analysis

Close Reading: Carefully read the court’s analysis, noting how it applies the legal rules to the facts.

• The court distinguishes between items in plain view and those where manipulation reveals information.
• It examines the extent to which the movement of objects within a home without a warrant constitutes a search or seizure under the Fourth Amendment.
• Highlight the court’s reasoning regarding the distinction between observing items in plain view and manipulating items to uncover evidence.
• Discuss the court’s conclusion that moving the stereo equipment to reveal serial numbers exceeded the scope of what is permissible under the “plain view” doctrine without a warrant.

4. Conclusion

Summarize the Supreme Court’s decision: The court held that the evidence obtained by moving the stereo equipment was seized in violation of the Fourth Amendment because it was not in plain view, and its evidentiary value was not immediately apparent without manipulation.

5. Naming

Conclude your brief with your name, signifying that you’ve understood and analyzed the case according to the IRAC method and close reading techniques.

Practical Application of Close Reading Techniques

Annotate: While reading the decision, annotate key passages that illustrate the court’s rationale, especially regarding the application of the “plain view” doctrine and the Fourth Amendment.

Question: Pose questions about the court’s reasoning process, especially why the act of moving an object to see its serial number constitutes a search.

Contextualize: Consider the broader implications of this ruling on law enforcement practices and privacy rights.

Evaluate: Assess the strength of the court’s argument and whether you find its distinction persuasive.

This practical exercise not only helps in understanding the specifics of Arizona v. Hicks, but also in applying critical legal analysis skills to any case. Through this process, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the nuances of legal reasoning and the complexities involved in applying constitutional principles to real-world scenarios.

Enhancing Your Case Briefs

Crafting effective case briefs is a skill developed through practice and attention to detail. Awareness of common pitfalls can significantly improve the quality of your briefs. Here are several frequent mistakes to avoid:

1. Overlooking the Facts

Pitfall: Failing to include relevant facts or including too many irrelevant details. Each fact mentioned in a case has the potential to influence the legal outcome.

Avoidance: Focus on facts critical to the court’s decision-making process. Distinguish between facts that are pivotal to the legal issue and those that are peripheral.

2. Misidentifying the Legal Issue

Pitfall: Incorrectly stating the legal issue or framing it too broadly/narrowly. The issue sets the stage for the entire brief.

Avoidance: Use precise language to frame the issue, ensuring it encapsulates the core legal question without extraneous details.

3. Misinterpreting the Rule of Law

Pitfall: Overlooking the nuances of the legal rule or not capturing its full scope. The rule of law must be accurately and comprehensively stated.

Avoidance: Pay close attention to how the court describes the rule. Include any qualifications, exceptions, or specific conditions under which the rule applies.

4. Simplifying the Analysis Too Much

Pitfall: Offering a superficial analysis that fails to delve into the court’s reasoning or overlooks dissenting and concurring opinions.

Avoidance: Engage deeply with the court’s rationale, noting how it applies the rule to the facts. Consider alternative perspectives offered in concurrences and dissents to enrich understanding.

5. Incorrect Conclusion

Pitfall: Stating the conclusion inaccurately or omitting the court’s final directive (e.g., remanding the case for further proceedings).

Avoidance: Ensure the conclusion accurately reflects the outcome and the court’s instructions for further action, if any.

6. Ignoring the Procedural History

Pitfall: Neglecting the procedural history or failing to understand its significance. The journey of the case through the legal system can impact its analysis and outcome.

Avoidance: Summarize the key steps in the case’s progression through the courts, highlighting decisions that directly influence the issue at hand.

7. Not Using Own Words

Pitfall: Relying too heavily on the language of the opinion without processing and restating the information in one’s own words.

Avoidance: While it’s important to accurately represent the court’s findings and reasoning, paraphrasing (with the exception of specific legal standards or tests) aids comprehension and retention.

8. Lack of Organization

Pitfall: Presenting information in a disorganized manner that makes it difficult for readers to follow the logic of the brief.

Avoidance: Adhere to a structured format, such as IRAC, to ensure clarity and coherence in presenting the case analysis.

By being mindful of these common pitfalls and actively working to avoid them, your case briefs will become more precise, insightful, and useful as tools for study, discussion, and legal analysis.

Conclusion

Recap of Key Points

A successful case brief is an indispensable tool in the study and practice of law, particularly in the field of criminal justice. It distills complex legal decisions into concise, accessible summaries, enabling students and practitioners to analyze and understand the intricacies of judicial opinions. The essential components of a case brief include:

Style (Citation): The case name and citation that facilitate quick reference and adherence to legal documentation standards.

Procedural History: A brief overview of the case’s journey through the legal system, providing context and background.

Facts: The relevant facts of the case, crucial for understanding the dispute and the legal issues at stake.

Issue: The specific legal question the court addresses, framed in a clear and precise manner.

Rules: The legal principles, statutes, or precedents applied by the court in deciding the case.

Analysis: The court’s reasoning in applying the law to the facts, including the examination of arguments and counterarguments.

Conclusion: The outcome of the case and the court’s decision, summarizing the resolution of the issue.

Naming: The inclusion of the preparer’s name, signifying ownership and responsibility for the analysis.

The Value of Practice

Mastering the art of case briefing is a gradual process that requires continuous practice and refinement. Each case presents unique challenges and learning opportunities, enabling the development of critical legal skills such as analysis, synthesis, and argumentation. The practice of briefing cases not only enhances one’s understanding of legal principles but also improves the ability to think like a lawyer—a skill that is invaluable in both academic and professional settings.

Engaging regularly with judicial opinions through the process of briefing encourages active learning and deep comprehension. It trains you to discern the most pertinent information, to analyze complex legal arguments, and to articulate your understanding in a structured, coherent manner. Furthermore, the discipline of regularly writing case briefs sharpens your ability to communicate effectively, a skill that is paramount in the practice of law.

In conclusion, the skill of case briefing is foundational to legal education and practice. By adhering to the structured approach outlined in this module and being mindful of common pitfalls, you can significantly enhance the quality of your legal analyses. Remember, the proficiency in case briefing, like any skill, is honed over time through diligence, reflection, and, most importantly, practice. Embrace each briefing as an opportunity to deepen your legal acumen and to move one step closer to thinking and reasoning like a seasoned legal professional.

Sample Case Brief

Arizona v. Hicks

480 U.S. 321 (1987)

Procedural History:  Hicks was arrested and tried for robbery under Arizona Law.  The state trial court granted his motion to suppress evidence that the police had seized, and the Arizona Court of Appeals affirmed.  The State was granted Certiorari. 

Facts:  A bullet fired from an apartment on the floor above struck a man.  Police entered (without a warrant) the apartment to search for a shooter, for other victims, and for weapons, and they seized three weapons and discovered a stocking-cap mask. While there, one of the policemen noticed expensive stereo components and, suspecting that they were stolen, read and recorded their serial numbers.  The officer had to move the stereo equipment to read the serial numbers.   He phoned the numbers to headquarters. After learning from headquarters that the items were stolen in an armed robbery, he seized them (without the benefit of a warrant). 

Issue:  Was the seizure of the stereo equipment in Hicks’ apartment a lawful seizure under the Plain View exception to the Fourth Amendment search warrant requirement, given that it had to be manipulated for its evidentiary nature to be determined?  NO.

Rules:  

1. Emergency circumstances, such as shootings justify warrantless entries and searches.  
2. When conducting a search under the exigent circumstances exception to the search warrant requirement, manipulating property outside the scope of the objectives of the authorized intrusion (i.e., dealing with the emergency situation) produces a new invasion of the suspect’s privacy that cannot be justified under the Fourth Amendment.  

Analysis:  The High Court has long recognized an ‘exigency’ exception to the Fourth Amendment’s general requirement that searches are reasonable only when they are authorized by a warrant and based on Probable Cause.  The courts have also recognized a Plain View exception whereby any evidence, fruits, or instrumentalities of crime seen by an officer from a vantage point where the officer has a lawful right to be can be seized without a warrant.  In this case, the exigency of the shooting provided a lawful justification for the warrantless entry into Hicks’ apartment.  Had the questionable stereo equipment been identifiable as the fruits of a crime without manipulation, then the officer’s lawful presence in the apartment would have satisfied the requirements of the Plan View Doctrine, and the subsequent seizure would have been lawful within the Fourth Amendment context.  The manipulation of the equipment, however, extended beyond the scope of the exigency, and thus beyond what is allowable under the Plain View Doctrine and the Fourth Amendment.        

Conclusion:  The judgment of the lower court was affirmed.  This case effectively limited the Plain View Doctrine to apply only when the evidentiary nature of the evidence in question is readily apparent and forbids manipulation by law enforcement.

Adam J. McKee

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Last Modified: 02/02/2024

This work is licensed under an Open Educational Resource-Quality Master Source (OER-QMS) License.