Court Rules Forcing Parolees to Use Biometrics to Unlock Phones Is Lawful
Requiring a parolee to use a thumbprint to access their phone is lawful and does not breach Fifth Amendment rights. This practice is permitted under parole conditions. The court also ruled that the legality of a "security sweep" before a…
Court Invalidates Evidence Discovered After Group Detention Expires
The Third District Court of Appeal determined that searching a vehicle without probable cause is illegal. Additionally, once reasonable suspicion of criminal activity dissipates following the arrest of one group member, all other members must be…
Resisting an Officer by Force or Violence May Include Pointing an Unloaded Firearm at an Officer (69(a)
A new ruling defines the scope of resisting arrest by force or violence under 69(a) P.C. A defendant's threat with an unloaded handgun led to conviction, showcasing legal interpretations and officer restraint.
The legality of inventory searches of an arrestee’s personal belongings without a booking
Learn about the contentious legality of inventory searches when an arrestee is released without booking. Dive into the pivotal case of United States v. Sapalasan (9th Cir. Apr. 1, 2024) and its implications on police procedures and individual rights.
When is the Use of Deadly Force Lawful? And Does “Legal” Equate to Right? 
In our continuing discussion of the use of deadly force, qualified immunity and civil liability of municipalities, we examine a recent appeals court ruling in a Los Angeles shooting in which an officer fired multiple volleys of shots as an armed…