Caroll v. US (1925)

The Supreme Court case Carroll v. United States decided in 1925. The case addressed the constitutionality of warrantless searches of automobiles for contraband, specifically alcohol, in the context of the National Prohibition Act. The court ultimately ruled that warrantless searches of automobiles are permissible if law enforcement has probable cause to believe that the vehicle contains contraband. The court based its decision on the reasoning that automobiles are mobile and easily moved out of the jurisdiction where a warrant would be sought. The court also distinguished warrantless searches of automobiles from warrantless searches of private dwellings, finding the latter to be more invasive and requiring a higher level of scrutiny. Click HERE for link to opinion.