Schmerber v. California (1966) was a landmark US Supreme Court case that clarified whether a search warrant is required before taking blood samples from a suspect, and whether those samples may be introduced into evidence in a criminal prosecution. In a 5–4 opinion, the court held that forced extraction of a blood sample is not compelled testimony and does not violate the Fifth Amendment privilege against self- incrimination. The court also held that search warrants are ordinarily required by the Fourth Amendment for intrusions into the human body, except under exigent circumstances. In 2013, the Supreme Court specified in Missouri v. McNeely that a warrant may be required for a blood sample from someone suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol, even though their blood alcohol level is likely to drop before a warrant can be obtained. Because the court's ruling in Schmerber prohibited the use of warrantless blood tests in most circumstances, some commentators argue that the decision was responsible for the proliferation of breathalyzers to test for alcohol and urine analyses to test for controlled substances in criminal investigations.
Read more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schmerber_v._California
_______________________________ Today's selected anniversaries:
1756:
A garrison of the British army in India was imprisoned in the Black Hole of Calcutta in conditions so cramped that at least 43 died. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Hole_of_Calcutta
1782:
The Congress of the Confederation adopted the Great Seal of the United States, used to authenticate certain documents issued by the federal government. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Seal_of_the_United_States
1837:
Victoria succeeded to the British throne, starting a reign that lasted for more than 63 years. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Queen_Victoria
1900:
Boxer Rebellion: The Imperial Chinese Army began a 55-day siege of the Legation Quarter in Beijing. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siege_of_the_International_Legations
2009:
During the Iranian election protests, the death of Neda Agha- Soltan was captured on video and widely distributed on the Internet, making it "probably the most widely witnessed death in human history". https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_of_Neda_Agha-Soltan
_____________________________ Wiktionary's word of the day:
economical with the truth: (idiomatic, euphemistic) Not telling the whole truth, especially in order to present a false image of a situation; untruthful; lying. Often used with sarcasm or satire. https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/economical_with_the_truth
___________________________ Wikiquote quote of the day:
All of us have the privilege of making music that helps and heals — to make music that makes people happier, stronger and kinder. Don't forget: music is God's voice. --Brian Wilson https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Brian_Wilson