Maryland v. Garrison — Quick Summary

Maryland v. Garrison

480 U.S. 79 (1987)

In Brief

Maryland v. Garrison is a pivotal case in the context of Fourth Amendment protections against unreasonable searches and seizures.

Key Issue

Is a search warrant valid and evidence obtained admissible when the police reasonably believed the warrant described a single unit but actually described multiple units?

The Rule

The validity of a search warrant under the Fourth Amendment is maintained if the officers acted reasonably and without knowledge of factual errors when executing the warrant.

Bottom Line

The U.S. Supreme Court held that if officers reasonably believe the warrant authorizes a search, even if later facts reveal a mistake, such a search does not violate the Fourth Amendment.

Why It Matters

This case is significant for law students as it clarifies how the good faith exception under the Fourth Amendment is applied in practice. It emphasizes that the execution of search warrants necessitates a balance between effective, practical policing and the protections against unreasonable searches and seizures guaranteed to citizens.

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