SCOTUS Drug Dog Cases: Horror in Harris, Joy in Jardines

The United States Supreme Court has ruled on two drug dog cases in the last few weeks: Florida v. Harris and Florida v. Jardines. The Florida Supreme Court suppressed Drug Dog searches in both cases. In Harris, the U.S. Supreme Court reversed with a particularly troubling opinion. In Jardines, they affirmed and the opinion might actually expand some fourth amendment protections.

Drug Dogs, Searches and Probable Cause: Updates and Additional Reading

In a recent post, I wrote about police drug dogs in two pending U.S. Supreme Court Cases. These cases consider how police use the dogs to gain probable cause for searches that would otherwise be illegal. Since I published my post, other sources have weighed in and provided some interesting perspectives. Here are some updates and links to further reading.

Furry Little Boot Straps: Drug Dogs in Court

I Smell Probable Cause!

Drug dogs are problem solvers. The problem they solve is that police need probable cause to search things. Probable cause is not a lot, but it does mean that that there must be a fair probability that contraban will be found in a place. Police often have a hunch that a search will uncover drugs, but that is not enough. What they need is that sweet probable cause.