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Massachusetts v. Sheppard

Supreme Court of the United States

468 U.S. 981 (1984)

July 5, 1984

Summary
Procedural History
Judicial Opinion
Citations

The “good faith” exception is applicable in situations where an officer, in good faith, reasonably relies on a search warrant later found to be invalid as a result of a judge’s clerical error.

Relevant Facts

Officers sought a search warrant to search the Defendant (Sheppard)’s home in a murder investigation. Since it was the weekend, the officer went to a judge’s house to seek the warrant. The judge is unable to find the right form, but found a controlled substance form, crossed out the words “controlled substance” and issued the warrant. Police subsequently find evidence linking Sheppard to the murder. At trial, the warrant is held to be invalid. Sheppard unsuccessfully challenged the evidence and is indicted for murder.

Issue

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Holding & Reasoning

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Concurrence

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Dissent

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Last updated:

November 30, 2020

Judicial Opinion

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Procedural History

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Citations

468 U.S. 981 (1984)

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