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Michigan v. Tyler

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Michigan v. Tyler
Argued January 10, 1978
Decided May 31, 1978
Full case nameMichigan v. Tyler
Citations436 U.S. 499 (more)
ArgumentOral argument
Opinion announcementOpinion announcement
Holding
Although firefighters and police can seize evidence of arson in plain view shortly after a fire, evidence of arson can not be seized by firefighters days after a fire without consent, a search warrant, or proof of abandonment.
Court membership
Chief Justice
Warren E. Burger
Associate Justices
William J. Brennan Jr. · Potter Stewart
Byron White · Thurgood Marshall
Harry Blackmun · Lewis F. Powell Jr.
William Rehnquist · John P. Stevens
Case opinions
MajorityStewart, joined by Burger, Powell, White, Marshall (except IV-A), Blackmun (I, III, and IV-A)
ConcurrenceStevens (I, III, and IV; in judgement)
DissentRehnquist
Brennan took no part in the consideration or decision of the case.
Laws applied
Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution

Michigan v. Tyler, 436 U.S. 499 (1978), is a United States Supreme Court case in which the Court held that firefighters can not enter a burned premises (in this case, a furniture store) to retrieve evidence of arson barring a search warrant, evidence of exigent circumstances, evidence of abandonment, or consent.[1]

Dissent

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Justice William Rehnquist argued that due to Tyler's actions, and business being unlikely to resume until major repairs are completed, the subsequent searches were reasonable under the circumstances.[2]

References

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Text of Michigan v. Tyler, 436 U.S. 499 (1978) is available from: CourtListener Findlaw Justia Library of Congress Oyez (oral argument audio)