Facts
Fischer contacted the police after being allegedly abused by Rodriguez. Fischer consented to travel to Rodriguez’s apartment to unlock the door. When entering, the police discovered drug paraphernalia.
Procedural History
Rodriguez moved to suppress the evidence seized on the grounds that Fischer did not live there and could not consent. The trial court granted the motion. The Appellate Court affirmed.
Issue(s)
Did the trial court err in finding that valid consent was not given even though officers reasonably believed Fischer possessed the authority to give the consent?
Holding(s)
Yes.
Reasoning/Analysis
The Court found that it is apparent that in order to satisy the reasonableness requirement of the Fourth Amendment, what is generally demanded is not that officers always be correct, but that they always be reasonable. Determination of consent to enter must be judged against an objective standard: would the facts available to the officer at the moment warrant a man of reasonable caution in the belief that the consenting party had authority over the premises.
Judgment/Outcome
The Court reversed and remanded the lower courts.
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