Greenwood vs. California (1988)
Facts of the case
In 1984, law iforcement suspected that Billy Greenwood waa trafficking drugs in his house. The police had the garbage collectors pick up the garbage on he curb. There was a lot of evidence of drug use and trafficking evidence in the trash.
Constitutional Question
Did the police officers obtain the information against Greenwood legally without violating the Fourth Amendment?
Decision
6 votes against Greenwood
2 votes for Greenwood
2 votes for Greenwood
Lasting Effect
The court decided it wasn't necessary for a warrant to search the garbage, because they said there is no expectation of privacy for it.