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A person's mere propinquity to others independently suspected of criminal activity does not give rise to probable cause to search that person.
Potter Stewart
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Association with suspected criminals is not enough to justify a search.

This quote by Potter Stewart emphasizes the legal principle that being near someone who is suspected of criminal activity does not automatically provide sufficient grounds for law enforcement to conduct a search on an individual. It underscores the importance of probable cause and the protection of personal rights against arbitrary searches.

Themes

LawPrivacyProbable CauseCivil RightsSearching

In practice

Example use cases

In a legal seminar discussing the importance of probable cause in searches.

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Quote by Potter Stewart | QuoteProject