Breithaupt v. Abram, Warden

352 U.S. 432 (1957)

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Breithaupt v. Abram, Warden

United States Supreme Court
352 U.S. 432 (1957)

  • Written by Rose VanHofwegen, JD
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Facts

Paul Breithaupt (defendant) was driving his pickup on a New Mexico highway when he collided with another vehicle, killing three people. Police found a nearly empty pint bottle of whiskey in Breithaupt’s glove compartment. While Breithaupt remained unconscious in the emergency room, police ordered a blood sample drawn, which confirmed a blood-alcohol percentage over the legal limit. Breithaupt was convicted of involuntary manslaughter and sought post-conviction relief, arguing the blood test violated his substantive due process rights under the Fourteenth Amendment.

Rule of Law

Issue

Holding and Reasoning (Clark, J.)

Dissent (Douglas, J.)

Dissent (Warren, C.J.)

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