Introduction: The landscape of criminal law is constantly evolving, shaped by legislative changes, societal shifts, and perhaps most significantly, judicial decisions. Over the past four years, several landmark cases have had profound impacts on various aspects of criminal law, from constitutional protections to sentencing guidelines. This article examines the most influential cases from 2020 to 2024, analyzing their implications for both the study and practice of criminal law.
Fourth Amendment Cases: The Fourth Amendment, which protects against unreasonable searches and seizures, has been a focal point of several significant cases in recent years.
- Lange v. California (2021): This case addressed the scope of the “hot pursuit” doctrine for misdemeanor offenses. The Supreme Court ruled that the pursuit of a fleeing misdemeanor suspect does not always justify a warrantless entry into a home. This decision emphasized that law enforcement must consider the specific circumstances of each case when deciding whether to enter a home without a warrant[1].
- Caniglia v. Strom (2021): The Court unanimously rejected the “community caretaking” exception as a justification for warrantless searches and seizures in homes. This decision limited the ability of police to enter homes without a warrant under the guise of checking on a resident’s welfare[2].
- Torres v. Madrid (2021): This case expanded the definition of a “seizure” under the Fourth Amendment. The Court held that the application of physical force to restrain someone, even momentarily and even if the person manages to escape, constitutes a seizure. This ruling has significant implications for police use of force and subsequent Fourth Amendment claims[3].
- Kansas v. Glover (2020): The Court ruled that when a police officer runs a vehicle’s license plate and learns that the registered owner’s driver’s license has been revoked, the officer has reasonable suspicion to initiate a traffic stop. This decision potentially broadens the scope of permissible investigative stops[4].
These cases collectively demonstrate a nuanced approach to Fourth Amendment jurisprudence, balancing law enforcement needs with individual privacy rights. They highlight the Court’s ongoing effort to adapt constitutional protections to evolving law enforcement practices and technologies.