Landmark policing decisions translated into plain English for the officers who live them.
Doctrine Channels
Start with a legal theme, then follow the cases that explain what it means in the field.
Focused explainers and case briefs connected to Evidence Procedure.
Focused explainers and case briefs connected to First Amendment Public Order.
Focused explainers and case briefs connected to Fourth Amendment.
Focused explainers and case briefs connected to Fourth Amendment Traffic Stops.
Focused explainers and case briefs connected to Miranda Interrogation.
Focused explainers and case briefs connected to Police Pursuit.
Focused explainers and case briefs connected to Police Pursuits.
Focused explainers and case briefs connected to Pursuits Vehicle Operations.
Video Library
Michigan Department of State Police v. Sitz
For police officers, Michigan Department of State Police v. Sitz means that DUI checkpoints are not automatically unconstitutional just because officers lack individualized suspicion for each driver stopped. A checkpoint may be lawful if it is structured, limited, and aimed at roadway safety rather than general crime control.
Brady v. Maryland
Brady v. Maryland requires prosecutors to disclose material evidence favorable to the accused when it bears on guilt or punishment. The rule protects the fairness of criminal trials and applies regardless of whether the prosecution acted in good or bad faith.
Pearson v. Callahan
Pearson v. Callahan changed qualified immunity procedure. The Court held that judges are no longer required to decide the constitutional violation question before asking whether the law was clearly established.
Search Results
Fourth Amendment traffic stops
Pennsylvania v. Mimms: a routine expired-plate stop became a major Fourth Amendment rule: police may order a driver out of a lawfully stopped car, but a frisk still needs a weapon-safety justification.
Miranda Interrogation
Pennsylvania v. Bruder reinforces that officers generally may conduct ordinary roadside DUI investigations without first giving Miranda warnings. During a typical traffic stop, an officer may make observations, request license and registration, ask basic investigative questions, and continue the roadside investigation without automatically converting the encounter into Miranda custody.
Searches Warrants
Maryland v. Wilson gives officers a clear safety rule for lawful traffic stops: if the stop itself is valid, an officer may direct passengers to exit the vehicle. The officer does not need to first develop individualized suspicion that the passenger is armed, dangerous, or committing a crime before giving the exit order.
Weekly Case Brief
One landmark policing case, explained and translated every week. Built for officers, students, and anyone who wants to understand how courts shape the street.