You Can’t ‘Divide and Conquer’ Reasonable Suspicion: SCOTUS Clarifies the Totality Rule in D.C. v. R.W
District of Columbia v. R.W. (2026) Citation: 608 U.S. ____ (2026) TL;DR Holding: Officers had reasonable suspicion to stop a driver where (1) a dispatch reported a suspicious vehicle, (2) passengers fled upon police arrival, and (3) the driver immediately attempted to leave with a door still open. Why it matters: The Supreme Court reinforces that courts must evaluate reasonable suspicion using the totality of the circumstances—not by isolating and discarding individual facts
3 min read
When “Plain View” Expands Your Search: Fifth Circuit Upholds Seizure of Suspected Stolen Property
Alexander v. Arceneaux , No. 25-30016 (5th Cir. Apr. 13, 2026) TL;DR Holding: Officers did not violate the Fourth Amendment when they seized electronics and appliances not listed in a firearm warrant because the items were lawfully seized under the plain view doctrine . Why it matters: This case reinforces that plain view is driven by probable cause—not certainty . Officers can seize unlisted items if the totality of circumstances makes it reasonably apparent they are cont
4 min read
Your Bag, Their Warrant: When Police Can Search a Visitor’s Backpack
State v. Porter, No. 24–1254 (Iowa 2026) TL;DR The Iowa Supreme Court held that officers executing a premises search warrant can search a visitor’s backpack if it is not in the person’s physical possession and could contain the items listed in the warrant. The court rejected arguments based on privacy and abandonment, emphasizing that the case is about scope of the warrant—not whether a warrant was needed . Why it matters: Containers on scene = searchable if they can hold
4 min read