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
Bad Miranda, Good Case: How Three Controlled Buys Saved the Warrant
United States v. Weaver (5th Cir. 2026) TL;DR The Fifth Circuit reversed suppression of evidence from a search warrant supported by controlled buys, holding the affidavit was not “bare bones” and officers relied on it in good faith. The court also held that although the suspect’s written Miranda waiver was invalid due to deception , the district court failed to analyze whether the suspect implicitly waived his rights —so the case was remanded. Why it matters: Controlled buy
4 min read