Wolf v. Colorado
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| Wolf v. Colorado | |
| Court | Supreme Court of the United States |
|---|---|
| Citation | |
| Date decided | June 26, 1949 |
| Related | Mapp v. Ohio Weeks v. United States |
| Overturned by | |
| Mapp v. Ohio | |
Facts
Prior to 1949, the 4th Amendment's prohibition against unreasonable searches & seizures only applied to federal procedures.
Without a search warrant, state investigators entered the medical office of Dr. Wolf & seized the names of female patients seen in Denver, Colorado.
After interviewing the patients, the district attorney charged Dr. Wolf with 2 counts of conspiracy to perform abortions. (In the 1940s, abortions were illegal in Colorado.)Procedural History
Dr. Wolf was convicted after 2 jury trials that had resulting from the patients' incriminating testimony.
Dr. Wolf is sentenced to state prison.Issues
Is the 4th Amendment's exclusionary rule required in state criminal cases?
Holding
The 4th Amendment does apply to the states. However, the exclusionary rule isn't required to be applied in state criminal cases.
Reasons
Excluding evidence in state criminal cases isn't necessary to give effect to the 4th Amendment.
Resources
