Kyllo vs. United States
Background Info
Kyllo was under the suspicion by local police for possession of Marijuana. They did not have enough evidence to get a search warrant. So police used a thermal-imaging device from the outside of his house and saw high levels of heat from what they assumed was a heat lamp, growing plants with them. They searched his house and found the drugs. Was this against the 4th amendment?
Court Ruling
In a 5 to 4 ruling, they found Kyllo was right. Police can not you thermal technology as a source of evidence for a search warrant. They decided that this violated the 4th amendment and Kyllo was set free.
Lasting Effect
This case was farely recent so not much lasting effect yet but i think it will be useful for 4th amendment cases with the use of technology as a source of evidence.
Other Facts
Kyllo left with no penalty against him.
Kyllo was under the suspicion by local police for possession of Marijuana. They did not have enough evidence to get a search warrant. So police used a thermal-imaging device from the outside of his house and saw high levels of heat from what they assumed was a heat lamp, growing plants with them. They searched his house and found the drugs. Was this against the 4th amendment?
Court Ruling
In a 5 to 4 ruling, they found Kyllo was right. Police can not you thermal technology as a source of evidence for a search warrant. They decided that this violated the 4th amendment and Kyllo was set free.
Lasting Effect
This case was farely recent so not much lasting effect yet but i think it will be useful for 4th amendment cases with the use of technology as a source of evidence.
Other Facts
Kyllo left with no penalty against him.