Legal Issues in Policing & Constitutional Cases

These flashcards cover key concepts and terminology related to legal issues in policing, constitutional rights, and landmark cases as discussed in the lecture notes.

Landmark Cases

Cases that are responsible for creating or refining a judicial interpretation of the Constitution.

Judicial Review

The ability of courts to examine and invalidate government actions that are inconsistent with the Constitution.

The Fourth Amendment

Protects against unreasonable searches and seizures and sets requirements for search warrants.

Probable Cause

Sufficient reason based on known facts to believe a crime has been committed, which justifies a search or arrest.

Exclusionary Rule

Legal principle that excludes evidence obtained through illegal searches and seizures from being admissible in court.

Good Faith Exception

Allows evidence collected in violation of a person's rights to be admitted at trial if law enforcement believes they were following proper procedures.

Consent Searches

Searches conducted by law enforcement when a person voluntarily permits police to conduct a search.

Plain View Doctrine

Police may seize evidence of a crime without a warrant if it is clearly visible.

Arrest Warrant

A legal document authorizing the police to arrest an individual.

Self-Incrimination

The act of exposing oneself to prosecution by being forced to respond to questions or provide information.