Mapp vs. Ohio
1960-1969
Background
Police in Cleveland, Ohio searched the house of Dollree Mapp without a proper search warrant. The search warrant was for searching for a suspected bomber that Mapp was supposedly hosting. The bomber was not found, however, obscene pictures were found in her basement in which she was arrested for having and had a trial at the Ohio court. Mapp claimed that this was a violation of the 4th amendment of improper search and seizure and took it to the Supreme Court.
Decision
In the end, Mapp was considered innocent. The court voted 3/5 in her favor and said that the search was unconstitutional because it had the wrong kind of search warrant or possibly even no search warrant.
Impact on us
Because of this court case, we are protected from any evidence found that was searched by police who do not have a proper search warrant. Evidence collected without a search warrant cannot be used against someone in a state court for a criminal case.
My Opinion
I agree with the outcome of the case. I do not, however think she is not guilty of owning obscene objects, but I know that she cannot be prosecuted if the prosecution was not fairly done. I think it is important that we do not take the amendments lightly like the police of Cleveland did. The fourth amendment protects our right to privacy of our own territory or home, which is why we should treat the fourth amendment with caution.
Work Cited
"Mapp v. Ohio Podcast." USCOURTSGOV RSS, Web. 16 Mar. 2015
"Mapp v. Ohio." Mapp v. Ohio. Cornell University, Web. 18 Mar. 2015.
"MAPP v. OHIO." Mapp v. Ohio, Web. 11 Mar. 2015.
Mapp V. Ohio