Law Commons^™

Stop Hammering Fourth Amendment Rights: Reshaping The Community Caretaking Exception With The Physical Intrusion Standard, Gregory T. Helding

Marquette Law Review

In 1973, the U.S. Supreme Court recognized the community caretaking exception to the Fourth Amendment’s prohibition against unreasonable searches and seizures. As its name suggests, the exception acknowledges that police officers act not merely as law enforcers, but also as community caretakers, rendering aid to those in need, and acting to protect both people and property from harm. As originally conceived, the community caretaking exception was limited to situations involving automobiles where police were performing functions totally divorced from law enforcement. Over the years, courts have expanded the exception considerably. Police officers who suspect a crime has taken place may …