Thermal Imaging Device Searches Introduction In Kyllo v. Uni
Thermal Imaging Device Searches Introduction In Kyllo v. United States (2001), the U.S. Supreme Court held that use of a technological device to explore the details of a home that would previously have been unknown without physical intrusion is a search and is presumptively unreasonable without a warrant. The federal prosecutor argued that thermal imaging does not constitute a search because (1) ‘it detects only heat radiating from the external surface of the house’ and therefore there was no entry, and (2) it did not detect private activities occurring in private areas because ‘everything that was detected was on the outside.’ The Court has ruled that plain view, plain odor, and plain touch are all constitutional. In Kyllo v. United States, the Court ruled the use of a thermal imaging device on a home was presumptively unreasonable without a warrant. Instructions In your main post: Explain whether or not, as a criminal justice practitioner, you agree with the Court in Kyllo, and why. Include your rationale. Analyze whether heat radiating from a private home should be protected using an additional related case as support for your position. Differentiate the plain view, plain odor, and plain touch doctrines from the thermal imaging device in Kyllo with respect to search requirements. Explore whether you believe the results of the Kyllo case has had a positive or negative impact for law enforcement. Discussion Objectives The competencies addressed in this discussion are supported by discussion objectives, as follows: Competency 1: Articulate how the rules of criminal procedure apply to a criminal justice practitioner. Explain your position regarding the ruling in Kyllo v. United States. Differentiate the plain view, plain odor, and plain touch doctrines from thermal imaging devices. Explore the impact of the decision in Kyllo v. United States on law enforcement. Competency 3: Apply the 4th, 5th, and 6th Amendments in a criminal justice context. Analyze the level of legal protection for heat radiating from a private home