What Types of Information Establish Probable Cause?
September 20, 2022
 

Today’s case from the Eighth Circuit is an interesting one, mainly because it involves a wannabe lawyer who may or may not be involved in sex trafficking.

Objectively Reasonable Facts and Hidden Agendas
August 23, 2022

Today’s case, United States v. Miles, is another traffic violation coming to us from the First Circuit. The trooper in today’s case has an excellent memory, and as a result he was able track down our suspect who was in possession of illegal drugs.

Are "Fighting Words" Protected Under the First Amendment?
July 25, 2022

I am sure you are no stranger to the fact that there are certain members of your community that feel strongly against the police. Everyday we hear anti-police rhetoric and learn about groups that want to defund the police. 

An Informant with an Axe to Grind

September 6, 2022
 

Today’s case out of the Seventh Circuit proves that you should be careful when using an informant who has an axe to grind. An FBI agent finally took the bait from Stafford Garbutt to look into misconduct at a government agency, after he was demoted and stripped of his title. 

The Force Must Match the Circumstance

August 16, 2022

As we have discussed in previous training sessions, protests at City Council meetings and town halls are becoming more frequent. Today’s case, Williamson v. City of National City, took place in a City Council meeting.

CyberTip From Facebook Employee

July 19, 2022

Today’s case, United States v. Meals, 21 F.4th 903 (5th Cir. 2021), actually makes Facebook look like the good guys for a change. Before we jump into the facts of the case, let’s review our major legal component today, the private search doctrine.

Naked Fugitives and Protective Sweeps

August 30, 2022
 

Today’s case from the Eighth Circuit involves officers locating two naked fugitives and conducting a protective sweep. ATF was later called in when a firearm was found during the initial search. Two cases to note to better understand our case today. 

How Long is Too Long During a Traffic Stop?

August 1, 2022

Officers in our case today from the Seventh Circuit had suspicions of drug activity and used what could potentially be seen as stalling tactics to ensure that a canine could arrive on the scene.

Supreme Court Ruling Protects LE When Miranda Isn't Issued
July 14, 2022

Vega v. Tekoh is a case that was decided by the Supreme Court of the United States on June 23, 2022. Supreme Court justices voted 6-3 that police officers can no longer be sued under a §1983 claim if they forget to state a suspect’s Miranda rights.