CASE ANALYSIS

Case Analysis

Illinois v.Gates 462 U.S. 213 (1983)

Facts of the Case

Gates was travelling between Illinois and Florida with an intention to transport drugs. This was learnt by the police through a letter from an anonymous source. The police decided to search for Mr. Gates who was indeed found travelling to Florida to meet someone and then came back to Illinois. The letter truly states his behavior patterns. The police devised a search warrant for Mr. Gates based on an affidavit that was sworn. Mr. Gates was found guilty of transporting drugs and thus was arrested. The Trial Court, however, argued that there was no probable cause behind the search warrant and that the drug evidence was precluded. The prosecutor appealed. Mr. Gates was of the view that the search conducted by the police was a violation of the 4th Amendment as there was not sufficient evidence for the warrant. Hence it was dismissed using the Aguilar-Spinelli Doctrine. The US Court reversed and found that there was enough probable cause against the search. It stated that while the letter obviously could not be taken as authentic proof against Mr. Gates, his behavior and the drugs that were found from his custody greatly established the reliability of the letter and hence satisfied the requirements of having a probable cause.

Issue(s)

The issue behind the case is the doubt whether the information provided in the anonymous letter formed a strong basis for the search? Did it not violate the 4th Amendment?

Results

Mr. Gates was arrested, not only on the basis of the anonymous letter but together with the work of police in speculating if he was guilty (Adams, 1856).

Summary

Mr. Gates was found guilty of transporting drugs as was learnt by an unknown source. However after due speculation by the police itself, a search warrant had been issued. The US Supreme Court maintained that there was adequate probable cause for the arrest and that it was a right decision (Adams, 1856).

Assent

I agree with the Illinois Supreme Court that the reliability of the source that informed about the case is significant in determining the worth of his report. However I do not quite agree that this reliability should be applied to every case. Although it naturally serves as a strong basis for the search, it is not the only criteria. It should be left up to the police to decide the adequacy of the probable cause ...