“The ability to conduct warrantless searches based on the smell of marijuana has faced some challenges. In Florida, recent cases in Sarasota and Pinellas County have cast doubt on some officers’ claims they were able to smell the marijuana cited in their probable cause affidavits and search warrant applications. And in Massachusetts, where voters decriminalized small amounts of marijuana in 2008, a state court struck down the ability to smell and search in 2011. Defense attorneys argue that youths and minorities are targeted disproportionately and say that because the search relies solely on an officer’s word, it’s prone to misconduct.”
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/fl-marijuana-probable-cause-20130605,0,4896946,full.story
Related posts:
United States and allies build case for military action in Syria
School District Hires Company To Monitor Students’ Social Media Posts
Police detective accused of multiple beatings, wrongful arrests
'What is Government?' Elementary Students Taught It's Your 'Family'
Switzerland: From Banking Paradise To Data Safe Zone
Japan's Shinzo Abe prepares to print money for the whole world
Hong Kong to get world's second bitcoin ATM
Americans pile into silver, gold coins
Why We Should Scam the Scammers
Clapper: Spying on U.S. election was "most benign form of information gathering"
FATCA: The end of financial privacy
George W. Bush the costliest former US President at $1.3 million per year
China promises bank rescue in next crisis
Russians discover four vats of embryos during stroll in the woods
Ireland votes to liquidate Anglo Irish Bank