Griffin v. Wisconsin (1986)
- Docket
- 86-5324
- Decided
- 1986-01-01
Summary
Question: Does a warrantless search of a probationer’s residence violate the Fourth Amendment if it was conducted on reasonable grounds? Conclusion: No. Justice Antonin Scalia delivered the opinion of the 5-4 majority. The Court held that a warrantless search of a probationer’s residence is “reasonable” within the meaning of the Fourth Amendment because it was conducted in accordance with a regulation that is a reasonable response to the “special needs” of a probation system. Supervision of probation is necessary to ensure the restrictions are followed and that the probation serves as a period of rehabilitation; therefore the state may depart from the usual warrant requirements. The “reasonable grounds” standard to search a probationer’s residence is an appropriate substitute for warrant requirements in this special situation, and in this case, the information received from the detective provided those reasonable grounds.