Case library · Square Grouper
Seven Hundred Miles Out
United States v. Warren (1978)
Charge: Conspiracy to import / currency violationsCourt: U.S. Court of Appeals, 5th Circuit (en banc)State: FloridaDocket: Square Grouper
Can officers stop and search a boat of their own flag hundreds of miles out to sea without probable cause?
The facts
A shrimping vessel was hailed for a routine papers and safety check about seven hundred miles from shore. Her enrollment listed no foreign port, but the crew said they were bound for Colombia to look at land. Officers found three pistols in the crew quarters, a little marijuana in the captain's cabin, $41,500 and 46,800 Colombian pesos under a mattress, and a trash compactor and plastic bags behind panelling.
You have the facts the court had. Guilty or not guilty? Call it in the game with your friends, then see what the court actually decided. Wrong call, you drink.
Citation: United States v. Warren, 578 F.2d 1058 (5th Cir. 1978)
Read more at law.justia.com. The source reveals the outcome.