Supreme Court Research, Part 3

Use the form provided to research due process cases. The names of the cases and the Constitutional questions are provided for you. You must complete the facts of the case and the significance of the case.

What were the facts of the case in Mapp v Ohio?

The police burst into Mapp’s home looking for a fugitive. No warrant was produced for the court. While looking for the suspect, they found materials considered obscene under Ohio law. These items were found in a box in the basement. Mapp was jailed after losing in the Ohio court. She claimed that the search was illegal.

Was the search illegal or not? What is the significance of this case?

Yes. This is the incorporation case for the Fourth Amendment relating to search and seizure. This is the case where the Exclusionary Rule was extended to a state case. The police never did have a warrant. Since the search was unconstitutional, all evidence found as part of the search is inadmissible and invalid.

Video: You Have the Right to Remain Silent

To learn more about the Miranda case, click the play button below to view You Have the Right to Remain Silent.

Click on the image above and select You Have the Right to Remain Silent to watch the video.