Top Court Upholds No-Knock Police Search

The Supreme Court made it easier Thursday for police to barge into homes and seize evidence without knocking or waiting, a sign of the court’s new conservatism with Samuel Alito on board.

The Chief is partially conflicted by this one. On the one hand, not giving drug dealers a chance to flush the evidence seems like a good plan. On the other hand, the possible negative impact is hair-raising.

For example, what if the police go to the wrong house. Here you are, minding your own business, perhaps in an area where home-invasion robberies occur, and suddenly some guy busts through the door unannounced, and you take measures to defend yourself. Oooops!

In the same situation, what if an unfriendly neighbor, disgruntled co-worker, ex-spouse (or whatever!) makes an anonymous tip that you are a serious dealer. Then apply the above situation. Oooops again!

On balance, this certainly reperesents another level of erosion of Constitutional protections. This supports the drift towards an ever greater statism, and loss of individual liberty.