Traffic-stop confrontations between police and motorists have made the news on a regular basis in recent years, leading to serious discussions about drivers' rights. Many experts advise drivers to comply first and complain later, but when it comes to passengers, what's expected? Do those riding in a vehicle that gets pulled over face the same requirements as those behind the wheel?
Supreme Court gets dog sniff at traffic stop right, finally
Yesterday, I wrote about the recent United States Supreme Court case of U.S. v. Rodriguez. In Rodriguez, the Court held that police cannot extend a traffic stop to 'sniff" around a car any longer than necessary to issue a traffic ticket unless there is reasonable suspicion that a crime is afoot. What was not mentioned was the reasons why the Court changed course and ruled the way it did.
