Mapp v. Ohio

Summary

The Supreme Court held that the exclusionary rule applies to the states through the Fourteenth Amendment. Evidence obtained through searches and seizures that violate the Fourth Amendment is therefore inadmissible in state criminal proceedings. The Court reversed the judgment of the Supreme Court of Ohio and remanded the case.

Holdings

1. The exclusionary rule is an essential part of the Fourth Amendment and is enforceable against the States through the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.
2. All evidence obtained by searches and seizures in violation of the Constitution is inadmissible in a state court.
3. Mapp's conviction could not stand because it was based primarily on evidence obtained through an unconstitutional search and seizure.

Questions Presented

1. Whether the Fourth Amendment exclusionary rule applies to state criminal prosecutions through the Fourteenth Amendment.
2. Whether evidence obtained by an unconstitutional search and seizure is inadmissible in a state court.
3. Whether Mapp's conviction could stand when it was based primarily on evidence unlawfully seized from her home.

Disposition

reversed_and_remanded