Find Court Cases > United States v. Robinson

United States v. Robinson

Case Date: 10/09/1973
Docket No: none

Facts of the Case 

A police officer pulled over and arresting Robinson for operating an automobile without a valid permit. The officer then frisked Robinson and discovered a crumpled cigarette package containing fourteen vials of heroin in his pocket.

Question 

Did the officer's search violate the Fourth Amendment?

Argument United States v. Robinson - Oral ArgumentFull Transcript Text  Download MP3United States v. Robinson - Opinion Announcement  Download MP3 Conclusion  Decision: 6 votes for United States, 3 vote(s) against Legal provision: Amendment 4: Fourth Amendment

The Court upheld the search. Distinguishing between searches done to discover concealed weapons and those conducted coextensive with an arrest, Justice Rehnquist argued since the officer did not conduct the search in an abusive or extreme manner, and because he acted consistent with the authority vested in a police officer when making an arrest, his actions were legitimate.