Griffin v. Wisconsin
United States Supreme Court
483 U.S. 868, 107 S. Ct. 3164, 97 L. Ed. 2d 709 (1987)
- Written by Tanya Munson, JD
Facts
Griffin (defendant) was convicted in Wisconsin state court of resisting arrest, disorderly conduct, and obstructing an officer. Griffin had previously been convicted of a felony. Griffin was placed on probation and, as a probationer, subjected to the rules and regulations of the Wisconsin State Department of Health and Social Services (department). The department permitted officers to search a probationer’s home without a warrant so long as there were reasonable grounds for suspicion of contraband and supervisor approval. While Griffin was on probation, an officer received information that there potentially were guns in Griffin’s apartment. Several officers went to Griffin’s apartment and conducted a search without a warrant, pursuant to the department’s probation regulations. The officers discovered a handgun. Griffin was charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. At trial, Griffin moved to suppress the evidence seized during the search. The motion was denied, and Griffin was convicted.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Scalia, J.)
Dissent (Blackmun, J.)
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