22 Aug US Appeals Court Says Cops Cannot Seize Phones On Sight
Last Friday, the US Circuit Court of Appeals in the District of Columbia overturned the conviction of Ezra Griffith, pointing out that the police used a warrant to seize and scan phones and gadgets at the scene without probable cause.
In 2013, Griffith was found guilty of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. On the suspicion of involvement with a gang-related murder, the police conducted a search of his girlfriend’s apartment where they seized several phones and and a tablet, some belonging to Griffith.
However , the court says the authorities used a broadly drawn warrant that did not establish that incriminating information would be found on Griffith’s devices.
The ruling is expected to cast influence on matters concerning privacy, device security, and law enforcement across the US.
Source: The Register UK
