Topic

Special Contexts

2 published cases

Special Contexts1985469 U.S. 325

New Jersey

In New Jersey v. T.L.O., the Supreme Court held that public school officials are bound by the Fourth Amendment, but student searches in school are governed by a special reasonableness standard. Schools do not usually need a warrant or probable cause. They need reasonable grounds at the start and a search that stays reasonably related in scope.

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Special Contexts1987483 U.S. 868

Griffin

In Griffin v. Wisconsin, the Supreme Court upheld a warrantless search of a probationer's home under a Wisconsin regulation requiring reasonable grounds and supervisor approval. The Court treated probation supervision as a special need beyond ordinary law enforcement, allowing a limited departure from the usual warrant and probable-cause rules.

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