No Warrant Necessary for Cell Phone Searches in California

The California Supreme Court ruled Wednesday that police officers in the Golden State don’t need a warrant to be able to peruse the cell phones of those under arrest—a decision that may have troubling implications and may eventually involve the U.S. Supreme Court.  —KA

AP via CBS News:

California Deputy Attorney General Victoria Wilson, who represented the prosecution in the case decided Monday, told the newspaper the split opinions in California and Ohio could lead the U.S. Supreme Court to weigh in on the cell phone issue.

The California Supreme Court decided the loss of privacy upon arrest extends beyond the arrestee’s body to include personal property.

Authorities can not only seize items but also can open and examine what they find, the ruling said.

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