atwater et al city lago vista et argued december decided april texas law makes misdemeanor punishable fine either passenger car equipped safety belts wear one driver fail secure small child riding front warrantless arrest anyone violating provisions expressly authorized statute police may issue citations lieu arrest petitioner atwater drove truck lago vista texas small children front seat none wearing seatbelt respondent turek lago vista policeman observed seatbelt violations pulled atwater verbally berated handcuffed placed squad car drove local police station made remove shoes jewelry eyeglasses empty pockets officers took mug shot placed alone jail cell hour taken magistrate released bond charged among things violating seatbelt law pleaded contest seatbelt misdemeanors paid fine husband collectively atwater filed suit alleging inter alia actions respondents collectively city violated fourth amendment right free unreasonable seizure given admission violated law absence allegation harmed detained way inconsistent law district ruled fourth amendment claim meritless granted city summary judgment sitting en banc fifth circuit affirmed relying whren observed although fourth amendment generally requires balancing individual governmental interests result rarely doubt arrest based probable cause one disputed turek probable cause arrest atwater evidence arrest conducted extraordinary manner unusually harmful atwater privacy interests held arrest unreasonable fourth amendment purposes held fourth amendment forbid warrantless arrest minor criminal offense misdemeanor seatbelt violation punishable fine pp reading fourth amendment guided traditional protections unreasonable searches seizures afforded common law time framing wilson arkansas atwater contends rules forbade officers make warrantless misdemeanor arrests except cases breach peace category claims understood narrowly covering nonfelony offenses involving tending toward violence although argument insubstantial ultimately fails pp even making allowance variations prefounding english usage breach peace rules nearly clear atwater claims pp review relevant english decisions well english colonial american legal treatises legal dictionaries procedure manuals demonstrates disagreement unanimity respect officers warrantless misdemeanor arrest power one side eminent authorities support atwater position common law confined warrantless misdemeanor arrests actual breaches peace see queen tooley ld raym eng however also considerable evidence broader conception misdemeanor arrest authority unlimited condition see holyday oxenbridge cro car eng hale history pleas crown thus convinced atwater correct even necessarily better reading history pp ii second equally serious problem atwater historical argument posed various statutes enacted parliament well republic founding authorized peace officers even private persons make warrantless arrests sorts relatively minor offenses unaccompanied violence including among others nightwalking unlawful profane cursing negligent pp examination specifically american evidence effect neither history framing era subsequent legal development indicates fourth amendment originally understood traditionally read embrace atwater position pp atwater cited particular evidence framed ratified fourth amendment sought limit peace officers warrantless misdemeanor arrest authority instances actual breach peace review documentary history likewise failed reveal design modern historical accounts fourth amendment adoption substantial indication framers intended restriction indeed extent modern histories address issue conclusions contrary evidence actual practice also counsels atwater position period leading surrounding framing bill rights colonial state legislatures like parliament regularly authorized local officers make warrantless misdemeanor arrests without breach peace condition fourth amendment originally apply make state practice irrelevant unearthing amendment original meaning number state constitutional provisions served models fourth amendment fact many original constitutional limitations continued grant officers broad warrantless misdemeanor arrest authority undermines atwater position given early state practice likewise troublesome atwater view one year fourth amendment ratification congress gave federal marshals powers execute federal law sheriffs execute state law pp ii atwater argument tradition aided historical record unfolded since framing indication claimed rule ever become woven fabric american law wilson supra story fact contrary first little said warrantless misdemeanor arrest authority tends cut atwater argument see watson second case early american courts embraced accepted rule anything approaching unanimity see wilson supra none decisions cited atwater ultimately availing point numerous state decisions expressly sustaining often constitutional challenge state local laws authorizing peace officers make warrantless arrests misdemeanors involving breach peace finally legal commentary century almost uniformly recognized constitutionality extending warrantless arrest power misdemeanors without limitation breaches peace small wonder today statutes district columbia permit arrests least peace officers host congressional enactments pp rejects atwater request mint new rule constitutional law forbidding custodial arrest even upon probable cause conviction ultimately carry jail time government show compelling need immediate detention reasons historical practice fails speak conclusively fourth amendment claim courts must strike current balance individual societal interests subjecting particular contemporary circumstances traditional standards reasonableness see wyoming houghton atwater might well prevail rule derived exclusively address uncontested facts case since claim live free pointless indignity confinement clearly outweighs anything city raise specific however traditionally recognized responsible fourth amendment balance well served standards requiring sensitive determinations government need lest every discretionary judgment field converted occasion constitutional review see robinson complications arise moment consideration given possible applications several criteria atwater proposes drawing line minor crimes limited arrest authority others restricted assertion difficulties alleviated simply requiring police doubt arrest unavailing first tie breaker practice amount constitutionally inappropriate limitation see skinner railway labor executives second whatever guidance tie breaker might give come price systematic disincentive arrest situations even atwater concedes arresting serve important societal interest warrantless misdemeanor arrests demand constitutional attention atwater seeks indicated number factors including law never jelled way atwater anyone arrested without formal process entitled magistrate review probable cause within hours county riverside mclaughlin many jurisdictions chosen impose restrictive safeguards statutes limiting warrantless arrests minor offenses police interest limit arrests carry costs great incur without good reason current doctrine preference categorical treatment fourth amendment claims gives way individualized review defendant makes colorable argument arrest without warrant conducted extraordinary manner unusually harmful privacy physical interests whren officer may arrest individual without violating fourth amendment probable cause believe offender committed even minor criminal offense officer presence pp atwater arrest satisfied constitutional requirements undisputed turek probable cause believe atwater committed crime presence admits neither children wearing seat belts turek authorized though required make custodial arrest without balancing costs benefits determining whether atwater arrest sense necessary arrest made extraordinary manner unusually harmful privacy physical interests see whren whether search seizure extraordinary turns else manner executed see ibid atwater arrest subsequent booking though surely humiliating harmful interests normal custodial arrest pp affirmed souter delivered opinion rehnquist scalia kennedy thomas joined filed dissenting opinion stevens ginsburg breyer joined gail atwater et petitioners city lago vista et al writ certiorari appeals fifth circuit april justice souter delivered opinion question whether fourth amendment forbids warrantless arrest minor criminal offense misdemeanor seatbelt violation punishable fine hold texas car equipped safety belts passenger must wear one tex tran code ann driver must secure small child riding front violation either provision misdemeanor punishable fine less texas law expressly authorizes ny peace officer arrest without warrant person found committing violation seatbelt laws although permits police issue citations lieu arrest march petitioner gail atwater driving pickup truck lago vista texas son daughter front seat none wearing seatbelt respondent bart turek lago vista police officer time observed seatbelt violations pulled atwater according atwater complaint allegations assume true present purposes turek approached truck yell ed something effect met ou going jail app called backup asked see atwater driver license insurance documentation state law required carry tex tran code ann atwater told turek papers purse stolen day turek said heard story times app atwater asked take frightened upset crying children friend house nearby turek told ou going anywhere ibid turned atwater friend learned going soon arrived take charge children turek handcuffed atwater placed squad car drove local police station booking officers remove shoes jewelry eyeglasses empty pockets officers took atwater mug shot placed alone jail cell one hour taken magistrate released bond atwater charged driving without seatbelt fastened failing secure children seatbelts driving without license failing provide proof insurance ultimately pleaded contest misdemeanor seatbelt offenses paid fine charges dismissed atwater husband petitioner michael haas filed suit texas state turek respondents city lago vista chief police frank miller far concerns us petitioners simply call atwater alleged respondents simplicity city violated atwater fourth amendment right free unreasonable seizure app sought compensatory punitive damages city removed suit district western district texas given atwater admission violated law absence allegation harmed detained way inconsistent law district ruled fourth amendment claim meritless granted city summary judgment motion ca ss wd app pet cert panel appeals fifth circuit reversed concluded arrest seat belt offense unreasonable seizure within meaning fourth amendment held turek entitled qualified immunity sitting en banc appeals vacated panel decision affirmed district summary judgment city relying whren en banc observed although fourth amendment generally requires balancing individual governmental interests arrest based probable cause rare exceptions result balancing doubt quoting whren supra either party dispute officer turek probable cause arrest atwater evidence record officer turek conducted arrest extraordinary manner unusually harmful atwater privacy interests en banc held arrest unreasonable fourth amendment purposes quoting whren supra three judges issued dissenting opinions understanding citation usual procedure traffic stop situation judge reynaldo garza thought atwater arrest unreasonable since particular reason taking custody judge weiner likewise believed even probable cause officer must plausible articulable reason making custodial arrest judge dennis understood fourth amendment incorporated earlier prohibition warrantless arrests misdemeanors amount involve breach peace ibid granted certiorari consider whether fourth amendment either incorporating restrictions misdemeanor arrests otherwise limits police officers authority arrest without warrant minor criminal offenses affirm ii fourth amendment safeguards right people secure persons houses papers effects unreasonable searches seizures reading amendment guided traditional protections unreasonable searches seizures afforded common law time framing wilson arkansas since examination understanding officer authority arrest sheds light obviously relevant entirely dispositive consideration framers amendment might thought reasonable payton new york omitted thus first step assess atwater claim peace officers authority make warrantless arrests misdemeanors restricted common law whether common law understood strictly law judicially derived instead whole body law extant time framing atwater specific contention rules forbade peace officers make warrantless misdemeanor arrests except cases breach peace category claims understood narrowly covering nonfelony offenses involving tending toward violence brief petitioners although historical argument means insubstantial ultimately fails begin state english common law find even making allowance variations usage term breach peace rules nearly clear atwater claims contrary commentators well sparsely reported cases reached divergent conclusions respect officers warrantless misdemeanor arrest power moreover years leading american independence parliament repeatedly extended express warrantless arrest authority cover offenses amounting involving violent breach peace atwater historical argument begins quotation halsbury carroll cases misdemeanor peace officer like private person common law power arresting without warrant except breach peace committed presence reasonable ground supposing breach peace committed renewed presence quoting halsbury laws england isolated quotation tends mislead carroll spoke rule sometimes expressed way indeed paragraph conspicuously omitted reference limitation stating usual rule common law police officer arrest without warrant one guilty misdemeanor committed presence thus carroll illustrates others recognized statements common law warrantless misdemeanor arrest simply uniform rather common law difference opinion among authorities whether right arrest without warrant extends misdemeanors american law institute code criminal procedure commentary one side divide certainly eminent authorities supporting atwater position addition lord halsbury quoted carroll james fitzjames stephen glanville williams seemed indicate common law confined warrantless misdemeanor arrests actual breaches peace see stephen history criminal law england common law authorise arrest persons guilty suspected misdemeanours except cases actual breach peace either affray violence individual williams arrest breach peace crim rev apart arrest felony power arrest common law respect breach peace see also queen tooley ld raym eng constable arrest sees actual breach peace affray arrest sir william blackstone sir edward east might also counted atwater side although spoke sufficiency breach peace condition warrantless misdemeanor arrest necessity blackstone recognized common law constable hath great original inherent authority regard arrests respect nonfelony offenses said may without warrant arrest one breach peace carry justice peace blackstone long framing fourth amendment east characterized peace officers arrest power much way constable known conservator peace may lawfully interpose upon view prevent breach peace quiet affray east pleas crown great commentators unanimous however also considerable evidence broader conception misdemeanor arrest authority unlimited condition sir matthew hale chief justice king bench wrote history pleas crown original inherent power constable arrest without warrant breach peace misdemeanors less felony hale history pleas crown hale view posthumously published reflected understanding dating back least years appearance pleas yet sufficiently authoritative sustain momentum extending well beyond framing era country see compleat constable may breach peace misdemeanors less felony imprison man burn justice peace constable may common law treason felony breach peace misdemeanors less felony committed view apprehend supposed offender without warrant italics original chitty practical treatise criminal law ed constable may treason felony breach peace misdemeanors less felony committed view apprehend supposed offender virtiute officii without warrant russell crimes misdemeanors ed officer may arrest person presence commits misdemeanor breach peace seen later view warrantless arrest authority extending least misdemeanors beyond breaches peace undoubtedly informed statutory provisions authorizing arrests reflected common law strict sense well holding least one case reported hale even become judge like hale commentary continued cited well ratification fourth amendment holyday oxenbridge cro car eng king bench held even private person thus fortiori peace needed warrant arrest common cheater discovered cozen ing false dice expressly rejected contention warrantless arrests improper unless felony said instead good cause staying gambler broadly pro bono publico stay offenders edition nearest date constitution framing sergeant william hawkins treatise pleas crown generalized holyday reason case seems follow warrantless arrest offenders offenses like manner scandalous prejudicial public may justified hawkins ch number commentaries shared hawkins broad reading holyday see law arrests ed light holyday arrest offender crime prejudicial publick seems justifiable cunningham new complete law dictionary definition arrest jacob law dictionary see generally greaves law arrest without warrant criminal law consolidation acts lxiii holyday rested upon broad ground pro bono publico stay offenders equally applicable every case misdemeanor thus find disagreement unanimity among jurists sought pull cases together summarize accepted practice reviewed relevant english decisions well english colonial american legal treatises legal dictionaries procedure manuals simply convinced atwater correct even necessarily better reading history second equally serious problem atwater historical argument posed divers statutes dalton country justice ch enacted parliament well republic founding authorized warrantless misdemeanor arrests without reference violence turmoil quite apart hale blackstone legal background conception reasonableness fourth amendment framers might entertained included english statutes centuries old authorizing peace officers even private persons make warrantless arrests sorts relatively minor offenses unaccompanied violence nightwalker statutes perhaps notable examples enactment statute winchester various readoptions repeal night watchmen authorized charged times past watch town continually night unto directed stranger pass shall arrested morning edw ch statutes large see also edw iii ch statutes large confirming extending powers watchmen hawkins emphasized statute winchester made derogation rather affirmance common law every private person may common law arrest suspicious detain till give good account hawkins ch according blackstone watchmen virtually limitless warrantless nighttime arrest power watchmen either appointed statute winchester merely assistants constable may virtute officii arrest offenders particularly nightwalkers commit custody till morning blackstone see also hale history pleas crown describing broad arrest powers watchmen even conferred statute winchester statute winchester moreover empowered peace officers deal nightwalkers nighttime offenders periodically make inquiry persons lodged suburbs foreign places towns score statute provided find lodged received strangers suspicious person peace bailiffs shall right therein edw ch statutes large hawkins understood surely mean officers lawfully arrest detain stranger hawkins ch nightwalker statutes legislative sources warrantless arrest authority absent real threatened violence parties amici seem assumed contrary following edwardian legislation throughout period leading framing parliament repeatedly extended warrantless arrest power cover offenses involving breach peace one statute instance authorized peace officers arrest persons playing unlawful game like bowling tennis dice cards good measure extended authority beyond players include persons haunting houses places alleys games shall suspected holden exercised used occupied hen viii ch statutes large act empowered person whatsoever seize detain hawker pedlar petty chapman trading person found selling without license wm iii ch statutes large statutes authorized warrantless arrest rogues vagabonds beggars idle disorderly persons defined broadly include jugglers unlicensed geo ii ch statutes large horrid persons profanely swear curse geo ii ch statutes large individuals obstructing publick streets lanes open passages pipes butts barrels casks vessels empty cart car dray carriage geo ii ch statutes large significantly given circumstances case us negligent carriage drivers geo ii ch statutes large see generally blackerby justice peace companion summary acts parliament cataloguing statutes welch essay office constable describing significance early english statutes lies proving rule barring warrantless misdemeanor arrests might existed subject statutory override sovereign parliament course wiped away rule point statutes riddle atwater supposed rule enough exceptions unsettle contention law mother country left fourth amendment framers view necessarily unreasonable arrest without warrant misdemeanor unaccompanied real threatened violence examination specifically american evidence effect neither history framing era subsequent legal development indicates fourth amendment originally understood traditionally read embrace atwater position begin atwater cited particular evidence framed ratified fourth amendment sought limit peace officers warrantless misdemeanor arrest authority instances actual breach peace review recent respected compilations documentary history likewise failed reveal design see complete bill rights cogan ed collecting original sources founders constitution kurland lerner eds found modern historical accounts fourth amendment adoption substantial indication framers intended restriction see levy origins bill rights taylor two studies constitutional interpretation landynski search seizure lasson history development fourth amendment constitution davies recovering original fourth amendment rev amar fourth amendment first principles harv rev bradley constitutional theory fourth amendment depaul rev indeed extent modern histories address issue conclusions contrary see landynski supra fourth amendment arrest rules based practice dispensed warrant requirement misdemeanors committed presence arresting officer davies supra framers address warrantless intrusions fourth amendment earlier state provisions thus never anticipated unreasonable might read standard warrantless intrusions evidence actual practice also counsels atwater position period leading surrounding framing bill rights colonial state legislatures like parliament supra regularly authorized local peace officers make warrantless misdemeanor arrests without conditioning statutory authority breach peace see first laws state connecticut cushing ed compilation exact date act unknown authorizing warrantless arrests persons unnecessarily travelling sabbath lord day guilty drunkenness profane swearing also vagrant persons unseasonable digest laws state georgia marbury crawford eds act breakers sabbath laws act persons gaming licensed public house house selling liquors colonial laws massachusetts act overtaken drink swearing sabbath breaking lying vagrant persons laws state new hampshire act persons travelling unnecessarily sunday digest laws new jersey pp elmer ed act vagrants vagabonds common drunkards common common prostitutes well practitioners crafty science laws state new york pp act hawker pedlar earliest printed laws new york cushing duke york laws overtaken drink swearing sabbath breaking vagrant persons night walkers laws commonwealth pennsylvania act persons profanely curs ing drinking excessively play ing cards dice billiards bowls game hazard address money opposite wilson arkansas emphasized founding era number enacted statutes specifically embracing rule record thus supports justice powell observation historical evidence framers proponents fourth amendment outspokenly opposed infamous general warrants writs assistance concerned warrantless arrests local constables peace officers concurring opinion simply conclude fourth amendment originally understood forbade peace officers arrest without warrant misdemeanors amounting involving breach peace atwater argument tradition pick steam historical record unfolded since framing indication claimed rule ever become woven fabric american law wilson supra see also payton new york emphasizing clear consensus among adhering rule story contrary two centuries uninterrupted largely unchallenged state federal practice permitting warrantless arrests misdemeanors amounting involving breach peace first support atwater position cases apart isolated sentence carroll already explained although much say warrantless misdemeanor arrest authority little said tends cut atwater argument discussing authority focused circumstance offense committed officer presence omission reference see watson supra cases construing fourth amendment thus reflect ancient rule peace officer permitted arrest without warrant misdemeanor felony committed presence carroll noting pedigree state statute permitting warrantless arrest public offense committed attempted officer presence kurtz moffitt presence requirement cf also welsh wisconsin white dissenting uthority arrest without warrant misdemeanor cases may enlarged second contrast wilson case arly american courts embraced accepted rule anything approaching unanimity wilson arkansas sure atwater cited several decisions least first glance might seem support contention warrantless misdemeanor arrest unlawful breach peace brief petitioners citing pow beckner ind commonwealth carey mass robison miner none ultimately availing pow fundamentally presence case stands proposition issue see supra nonfelony arrest made offense officer view still continuing subsequently upon vague information communicated language atwater attributes carey ven constable power arrest misdemeanor without warrant except stay breach peace prevent commission offense taken reporter summary one party arguments opinion carey chief justice shaw said old established rule common law constable peace officer arrest one without warrant crime offence amounting law felony said clearly rule altered legislature notwithstanding massachusetts fourth amendment equivalent state constitution miner third final case upon atwater relies expressly overruled six years decided burroughs eastman michigan held language miner upon plaintiff presumably atwater relied followed went offer following question arisen many sister power authorize arrest view offenses amounting breaches peace affirmed attention called case research found one contrary doctrine asserted collecting cases illinois indiana massachusetts minnesota missouri new hampshire new york ohio texas reports may well contain early american cases favorable atwater position ones invoked point think numerous decisions expressly sustaining often constitutional challenge state local laws authorizing peace officers make warrantless arrests misdemeanors involving breach peace see mayo wilson upholding statute authorizing warrantless arrests unnecessarily traveling sunday challenge based state due process provisions holcomb cornish upholding statute permitting warrantless arrests drunkenness profane swearing cursing argument power justice peace arrest detain citizen without complaint warrant surely given common law jones root mass rebuffing constitutional challenge statute authorizing officers without warrant arrest person persons may find act illegally selling transporting distributing intoxicating liquors main mccarty concluding law expressly authorizing arrests violations repugnant constitution general provisions law white kent ohio upholding municipal ordinance permitting warrantless arrest person found violating city ordinance state law davis american soc prevention cruelty animals upholding statute permitting warrantless arrest misdemeanor violation prohibition see generally wilgus arrest without warrant rev collecting cases observing may statute enlarge common law right arrest without warrant quite generally done authorized municipalities example officer may authorized statute ordinance arrest without warrant various misdemeanors violations ordinances breaches peace committed presence nn collecting cases bishop new criminal procedure pp ed clark handbook criminal procedure ed finally legislative tradition granting warrantless misdemeanor arrest authority judicial tradition sustaining statutes constitutional attack buttressed legal commentary century almost uniformly recognized constitutionality extending warrantless arrest power misdemeanors without limitation breaches peace see fisher laws arrest generally recognized today common law authority arrest without warrant misdemeanor cases may enlarged statute done many wilgus supra statutes municipal charters quite generally authorized officer arrest misdemeanor whether breach peace without warrant committed officer presence statutes valid clark supra statutes city ordinances clearly valid authorizing officers arrest certain misdemeanors without warrant committed presence beale criminal pleading practice statute power peace officers arrest without warrant often extended misdemeanors committed presence statute constitutional bishop supra power arrest extends possibly indictable wrong officer presence statutes ordinances widely permit arrests violations municipal bassett criminal pleading practice ed lesser misdemeanors except breaches peace power extends far statute gives cf vorhees law arrest pp acknowledging authority statute city charter ordinance officer may arrest without warrant one commits misdemeanor breach peace suggesting courts look disfavor legislative enactments interfering constitutional liberties subject small wonder today statutes district columbia permit warrantless misdemeanor arrests least peace officers without requiring breach host congressional american law institute long endorsed validity legislation see american law institute code criminal procedure american law institute model code procedure consensus stated current literature statutes remov ing breach peace limitation thereby permit ting arrest without warrant misdemeanor committed arresting officer presence never successfully challenged stan law land lafave search seizure pp quoting higbee san diego emphasis original omitted therefore simply case claimant point clear answer existed generally adhered traditions society ever since county riverside mclaughlin scalia dissenting iii true history unequivocal expressed decided majority view police need obtain arrest warrant merely misdemeanor stopped short violence threat atwater wager instead asks us mint new rule constitutional law understanding historical practice fails speak conclusively claim grounded fourth amendment courts left strike current balance individual societal interests subjecting particular contemporary circumstances traditional standards reasonableness see wyoming houghton vernonia school dist acton atwater accordingly argues modern arrest rule one necessarily requiring violent breach peace nonetheless forbidding custodial arrest even upon probable cause conviction ultimately carry jail time government shows compelling need immediate derive rule exclusively address uncontested facts case atwater might well prevail known established resident lago vista place hide incentive flee common sense says almost certainly buckled condition driving citation case physical incidents arrest merely gratuitous humiliations imposed police officer best exercising extremely poor judgment atwater claim live free pointless indignity confinement clearly outweighs anything city raise specific case traditionally recognized responsible fourth amendment balance well served standards requiring sensitive determinations government need lest every discretionary judgment field converted occasion constitutional review see robinson often enough fourth amendment applied spur heat moment object implementing command reasonableness draw standards sufficiently clear simple applied fair prospect surviving judicial months years arrest search made courts attempting strike reasonable fourth amendment balance thus credit government side essential interest readily administrable rules see new york belton fourth amendment rules expressed terms readily applicable police context law enforcement activities necessarily qualified sorts ifs ands first glance atwater argument may seem respect values clarity simplicity far claims fourth amendment generally forbids warrantless arrests minor crimes accompanied violence demonstrable threat whether minor crime defined traffic offense offense generally claim ultimately simple complications arise moment begin think possible applications several criteria atwater proposes drawing line minor crimes limited arrest authority others restricted one line suggests might jailable offenses conviction result commitment trouble distinction course officer street might able tell merely expect every police officer know details frequently complex penalty schemes see berkemer mccarty fficers field frequently neither time competence determine severity offense considering arresting person penalties ostensibly identical conduct vary account facts difficult impossible know scene arrest first offense suspect repeat offender weight marijuana gram gram line conduct implicate one criminal prohibition one district attorney ultimately decide charge atwater refinements end represents line drawn nonjailable traffic offenses proposed limitation qualified proviso authorizing warrantless arrests necessary enforcement traffic laws offense otherwise continue pose danger others road brief petitioners line drawn misdemeanors generally comparable qualification presumably apply proviso compounds difficulties instance either exception apply speeding oral argument atwater counsel said reasonable arrest driver speeding unless speeding rose level reckless driving tr oral arg fair expect chronic speeder speed despite citation pocket qualify showing offense continue atwater rule constitutional matter assume reckless driving pose danger others road speeding need examples show atwater general rule limiting proviso promise little way administrability answer police routinely make judgments grounds like risk immediate repetition surely world difference making judgment choosing discretionary leniency summons place clearly lawful arrest making judgment question lawfulness warrantless arrest difference basis legal action challenging discretionary judgment one hand prospect evidentiary exclusion personal liability misapplication constitutional standard atwater rule therefore place police almost impossible spot guarantee increased litigation many arrests reasons atwater various distinctions permissible impermissible arrests minor crimes strike us unsatisfactory line require police officers draw moment notice carroll one may ask course difficulties may answered simple tie breaker police follow field doubt arrest first answer practice tie breaker boil something akin limitation one ifs ands buts rules new york belton collecting cases logic elaborate arguments raise insuperable barriers exercise virtually powers beyond whatever help tie breaker might give come price systematic disincentive arrest situations even atwater concedes arresting serve important societal interest officer quite sure drugs weighed enough warrant jail time quite certain suspect risk flight arrest even though perfectly well turn fact offense called incarceration defendant long gone day trial multiplied many times costs society underenforcement easily outweigh costs defendants needlessly arrested booked atwater easily costs outweigh benefits may shown asking one member oral argument bad problem tr oral arg fact law never jelled way atwater leads one wonder whether warrantless misdemeanor arrests need constitutional attention cause think answer far arrests might thought pose threat requirement anyone arrested crime without formal process whether felony misdemeanor entitled magistrate review probable cause within hours county riverside mclaughlin excessive force actionable upshot influences combined good sense failing political accountability local lawmakers officials dearth horribles demanding redress indeed atwater counsel asked oral argument indications comparably foolish warrantless misdemeanor arrests offer sure surely country confronting anything like epidemic unnecessary fact caps reasons rejecting atwater request development new distinct body constitutional law accordingly confirm today prior cases intimated standard probable cause applie arrests without need balance interests circumstances involved particular situations dunaway new york officer probable cause believe individual committed even minor criminal offense presence may without violating fourth amendment arrest offender iv atwater arrest satisfied constitutional requirements dispute officer turek probable cause believe atwater committed crime presence admits neither children wearing seat belts required tex tran code ann turek accordingly authorized required authorized make custodial rest without balancing costs benefits ing whether atwater arrest sense necessary arrest made extraordinary manner unusually harmful privacy physical interests whren seizure means deadly force wilson arkansas unannounced entry home welsh wisconsin entry home without warrant winston lee physical penetration body atwater arrest surely humiliating says brief harmful privacy physical interests normal custodial arrest handcuffed placed squad car taken local police station officers asked remove shoes jewelry glasses empty pockets took photograph placed cell alone hour taken magistrate released bond arrest booking inconvenient embarrassing atwater extraordinary violate fourth amendment appeals en banc judgment affirmed ordered appendix opinion state statutes authorizing warrantless misdemeanor arrests code supp authorizing warrantless arrest public offense committed presence officer alaska stat ann crime committed presence person making arrest rev stat ann supp misdemeanor committed officer presence ark code ann supp public offense committed officer presence cal penal code ann west supp person arrested committed public offense officer presence rev stat ny crime committed officer presence stat supp offense arrestee taken act del code tit misdemeanor committed officer presence code ann officer probable cause believe person committed offense officer presence stat supp misdemeanor ordinance violation committed presence officer code ann supp crime offense committed officer presence haw rev stat officer probable cause believe person committed offense idaho code public offense committed attempted officer presence comp ch officer reasonable grounds believe person committing committed offense ind code supp cer probable cause believe person committing attempting commit misdemeanor officer presence iowa code public offense committed attempted peace officer presence stat ann cum supp ny crime except traffic infraction cigarette tobacco infraction committed officer view rev stat ann michie offense punishable confinement committed officer presence supp officer generally issue citation rather arrest certain minor violations la code crim proc art west officer reasonable cause believe person arrested committed offense rev stat tit persons found violating law state legal ordinance bylaw town tit supp misdemeanors committed officer presence md ann code art supp person commits attempts commit felony misdemeanor presence officer mass laws ch designated misdemeanor offenses littering offenses identity arrestee known officer comp laws ann west felony misdemeanor ordinance violation committed officer presence stat supp public offense committed attempted officer presence miss code ann supp indictable offense committed presence officer vi highway safety patrol officers person persons committing attempting commit misdemeanor felony breach peace within presence view mo rev stat person commits offense officer presence mont code ann officer probable cause believe person committing offense neb rev stat officer probable cause believe person committed misdemeanor presence rev stat fresh pursuit person commits criminal offense presence officer rev stat ann supp fresh pursuit person committed criminal offense presence officer upon probable cause misdemeanor violation committed officer presence stat ann supp violations law committed officers presence stat ann person act violating laws state ordinances municipality falsely obtaining services accommodations person officer probable cause believe committed crime shoplifting crim proc law mckinney supp officer probable cause believe offense committed presence probable cause believe person arrested committed offense stat officer probable cause believe person ted criminal offense officer presence misdemeanors officers presence certain circumstances cent code supp public offense committed attempted officer presence ohio rev code ann supp person found violating law state ordinance municipal corporation resolution township see providing notwithstanding provision revised code law enforcement officer otherwise authorized arrest person commission minor misdemeanor officer shall arrest person shall issue citation except specified circumstances stat tit supp lic offense committed attempted officer presence rev stat upon probable cause felony class misdemeanor offense officer presence except traffic infractions minor violations stat tit purdon violations law including laws regulating use highways may witness laws misdemeanors petty misdemeanors officer reasonable grounds believe person arrested later ay cause injury others loss damage property unless immediately arrested code ann persons presence officer violate criminal laws state arrest made time violation law immediately thereafter codified laws public offense petty offense committed attempted officer presence code ann supp public offense committed breach peace threatened officer presence see also officer arrested person commission misdemeanor generally issue citation arrested person appear lieu continued custody taking arrested person magistrate tex code crim proc art vernon offense committed presence within view utah code ann offense directly prohibited laws state ordinance public offense committed presence officer rule crim proc officer probable cause believe crime committed presence see also rule law enforcement officer acting without warrant authorized arrest person misdemeanor generally issue citation appear judicial officer lieu arrest code ann person commits crime presence officer rev code supp amended laws misdemeanors committed presence officer code violations criminal laws state committed officer presence stat reasonable grounds believe person committing committed crime wyo stat ann ny criminal offense committed officer presence gail atwater et petitioners city lago vista et al writ certiorari appeals fifth circuit april justice justice stevens justice ginsburg justice breyer join dissenting fourth amendment guarantees right free unreasonable searches seizures recognizes arrest gail atwater pointless indignity served discernible state interest ante yet holds arrest constitutionally permissible position inconsistent explicit guarantee fourth amendment dissent full custodial arrest one atwater subjected quintessential seizure see payton new york full custodial arrest effected without warrant plain language fourth amendment requires arrest reasonable see ibid beyond cavil touchstone analysis fourth amendment always reasonableness circumstances particular governmental invasion citizen personal security pennsylvania mimms per curiam quoting terry ohio see also ramirez maryland wilson ohio robinette florida jimeno chadwick often looked common law evaluating reasonableness fourth amendment purposes police activity tennessee garner history one tools use conducting reasonableness inquiry see see also wilson arkansas wyoming houghton breyer concurring history inconclusive majority amply demonstrates case see ante evaluate search seizure traditional standards reasonableness assessing one hand degree intrudes upon individual privacy degree needed promotion legitimate governmental interests wyoming houghton supra see also skinner railway labor executives tennessee garner supra delaware prouse pennsylvania mimms supra words determining reasonableness ach case decided facts circumstances importing majority gives brief nod bedrock principle fourth amendment jurisprudence even acknowledges atwater claim live free pointless indignity confinement clearly outweighs anything city raise specific case ante instead remedying imbalance ity allows swayed worry every discretionary judgment field converted occasion constitutional review ibid fore mints new rule officer probable cause believe individual committed even minor criminal offense presence may without violating fourth amendment arrest offender ante rule unsupported precedent runs contrary principles lie core fourth amendment majority tacitly acknowledges never considered precise question presented namely constitutionality warrantless arrest offense punishable fine cf ibid indeed rare occasions members contemplated arrest indicated disapproval see gustafson florida stewart concurring persuasive claim might made custodial arrest petitioner minor traffic offense violated rights fourth fourteenth amendments claim made robinson powell concurring validity custodial arrest minor traffic offense sure held existence probable cause necessary condition arrest see dunaway new york case felonies punishable term imprisonment held existence probable cause also sufficient condition arrest see watson watson however clear consistently applied common law rule permitting warrantless felony arrests see accordingly inquiry ended need assess reasonableness arrests weighing individual liberty interests state interests cf wyoming houghton supra tennessee garner supra dissenting criticizing majority disregarding undisputed common law rule however luxury thorough exegesis makes abundantly clear warrantless misdemeanor arrests subject clear consistently applied rule common law see ante finding disagreement unanimity among jurists ante acknowledging certain early english statutes serve riddle atwater supposed rule enough exceptions unsettle contention clear rule barring warrantless arrests misdemeanors breaches peace therefore must engage balancing test required fourth amendment see wyoming houghton supra probable cause surely necessary condition warrantless arrests offenses see dunaway new york supra realistic assessment interests implicated arrests demonstrates probable cause alone sufficient condition see infra decision whren contrary specific question presented whether evaluating fourth amendment reasonableness traffic stop subjective intent police officer relevant consideration held stated making traffic stop governed usual rule probable cause believe law broken outbalances private interest avoiding police contact course occasion whren consider constitutional preconditions warrantless arrests offenses words taken beyond context significant qualitative differences traffic stop full custodial arrest seizures fall within ambit fourth amendment latter entails much greater intrusion individual liberty privacy interests said motorist expectations sees policeman light flashing behind obliged spend short period time answering questions waiting officer checks license registration may given citation end likely allowed continue way berkemer mccarty thus probable cause believe person violated minor traffic law little question state interest law enforcement justify relatively limited intrusion traffic stop means certain however offense punishable fine probable cause believe law broken outbalanc private interest avoiding full custodial arrest whren supra justifying full arrest quantum evidence justifies traffic stop even though offender ultimately imprisoned conduct defies sense proportionality serious tension fourth amendment proscription unreasonable seizures custodial arrest exacts obvious toll individual liberty privacy even period custody relatively brief arrestee subject full search person confiscation possessions robinson supra arrestee occupant car entire passenger compartment car including packages therein subject search well see new york belton arrestee may detained hours without magistrate determine whether fact probable cause arrest see county riverside mclaughlin people arrested types violent nonviolent offenses may housed together awaiting review detention period potentially dangerous rosazza cook jail intake managing critical function part one resources american jails period custody fact arrest permanent part public record cf paul davis said penalty may attach particular offense seems provide clearest consistent indication state interest arresting individuals suspected committing offense welsh wisconsin state decided fine imprisonment appropriate punishment offense state interest taking person suspected committing offense custody surely limited best say state never interest full custodial arrest may occasion vindicate legitimate state interests even crime punishable fine arrest surest way abate criminal conduct may also allow police verify offender identity offender poses flight risk ensure appearance trial considerations present citation summons may serve state remaining law enforcement interests every bit effectively arrest cf lodging amici curiae state texas et al texas department public safety student handout traffic law enforcement citations definition means getting violators without physical arrest citation used serve purpose except issuing citation releasing violator safety public violator might imperiled case full custodial arrest severe intrusion individual liberty reasonableness hinges degree needed promotion legitimate governmental interests wyoming houghton light availability citations promote state interests offense committed concur rule deems full custodial arrest reasonable every circumstance giving police officers constitutional carte blanche effect arrest whenever probable cause believe misdemeanor committed irreconcilable fourth amendment command seizures reasonable instead require probable cause believe offense committed police officer issue citation unless officer able point specific articulable facts taken together rational inferences facts reasonably warrant additional intrusion full custodial arrest terry ohio majority insists rule focused probable cause necessary vindicate state interest easily administrable law enforcement rules see ante probable cause however model precision quantum information constitutes probable cause evidence warrant man reasonable caution belief crime committed must measured facts particular case wong sun citation omitted rule propose merely requires legitimate reason decision escalate seizure full custodial arrest thus undermine otherwise clear simple rule cf ante clarity certainly value worthy consideration fourth amendment jurisprudence means trumps values liberty privacy heart amendment protections terry rule lacks precision makes fidelity fourth amendment command reasonableness sensitivity competing values protected amendment past years appears terry rule workable easily applied officers street bottom majority offers two related reasons rule necessary fear officers arrest offenses subject personal liability misapplication constitutional standard ante resulting systematic disincentive arrest arresting serve important societal interest ante concerns certainly valid adequately resolved doctrine qualified immunity qualified immunity created shield government officials civil liability performance discretionary functions long conduct violate clearly established statutory constitutional rights reasonable person known see harlow fitzgerald doctrine best attainable accommodation competing values namely obligation enforce constitutional guarantees need protect officials required exercise discretion anderson creighton made clear standard reasonableness search seizure fourth amendment distinct standard reasonableness qualified immunity purposes law enforcement officer reasonably mistakenly conclude constitutional predicate search seizure present held personally liable ibid doctrine thus allays concerns liability disincentives arrest example officer reasonably thinks suspect poses flight risk might danger community released cf ante may arrest without fear legal consequences similarly officer reasonably concludes suspect may possess four ounces marijuana thus might guilty felony cf ante officer insulated liability arresting suspect even initial assessment turns factually incorrect said officials liable mere mistakes judgment butz economou course even specter liability entail substantial social costs inhibiting public officials discharge duties see harlow fitzgerald supra may ignore central command fourth amendment however avoid costs ii record case makes abundantly clear atwater arrest constitutionally unreasonable atwater readily admits officer turek pulled violated texas seatbelt law brief petitioners record turek justified stopping atwater see whren neither law reason supports decision arrest instead simply giving citation officer actions sensibly viewed permissible means balancing atwater fourth amendment interests state legitimate interests question officer turek actions severely infringed atwater liberty privacy turek loud accusatory moment approached atwater car atwater young children terrified hysterical yet atwater asked turek lower voice scaring children responded jabbing finger atwater face saying going jail record made decision arrest turek inform atwater right remain silent instead asked license insurance information cf miranda arizona atwater asked least take children friend house street going police station record turek castigated atwater caring children refused said take children custody well intervention neighborhood children witnessed scene summoned one atwater friends saved children hauled jail mother children gone officer turek handcuffed atwater hands behind back placed police car drove police station ironically turek secure atwater seat belt drive station atwater forced remove shoes relinquish possessions wait holding cell hour judge finally informed atwater rights charges released posted bond atwater returned scene arrest find car towed atwater ultimately pleaded contest violating seatbelt law fined even though fine maximum penalty crime tex tran code ann even though officer turek never articulated justification actions city contends arresting atwater constitutionally reasonable advanced two legitimate interests enforcement child safety laws encouraging atwater appear trial brief respondents difficult see arresting atwater served either goals effectively issuance citation respect goal law enforcement generally atwater pose great danger community driving slowly approximately miles per hour broad daylight residential street traffic record repeat offender day received one traffic citation life ticket years earlier failure signal lane change although officer turek stopped atwater approximately three months earlier thought atwater son wearing seatbelt turek mistaken moreover atwater immediately accepted responsibility apologized conduct thus every indication atwater buckled children cited allowed leave respect related goal child welfare decision arrest atwater nothing short counterproductive atwater children witnessed officer turek yell mother threaten take custody ultimately forced leave behind turek knowing taken jail understandably boy traumatized incident see child psychologist regularly reported boy felt guilty stop horrible thing powerless help mother sister atwater children terrified sight police car according atwater arrest never leaves us conversation every day week raises head constantly lives citing atwater surely served children interests well taught atwater ensure children buckled future also taught children important lesson accepting responsibility obeying law arresting atwater though taught children entirely different lesson bad person easily policeman horrible person imagine ibid respondents also contend arrest necessary ensure atwater appearance atwater however far flight risk resident lago vista population atwater likely abscond see record texas state data center total population estimates texas places although unable produce driver license stolen gave officer turek license number address record addition officer turek knew previous encounter atwater local resident city justifications fall far short rationalizing extraordinary intrusion gail atwater children measuring degree atwater custodial arrest needed promotion legitimate governmental interests degree intrud ed upon privacy wyoming houghton hardly doubted turek actions disproportionate atwater crime majority assessment atwater claim live free pointless indignity confinement clearly outweighs anything city raise specific case ante quite correct view fourth amendment inquiry ends iii error however merely affect disposition case per se rule creates potentially serious consequences everyday lives americans broad range conduct falls category misdemeanors texas alone example disobeying sort traffic warning sign misdemeanor punishable fine see tex tran code ann supp failing pay highway toll see driving expired license plates see crimes limited traffic context several example littering criminal offense punishable fine see cal penal code ann west code ann iowa code af supp sure laws valid wise exercises power protect public health welfare concern lies decision enact enforce laws rather manner may enforced today holding police officer probable cause believe misdemeanor offense occurred officer may stop suspect issue citation let person continue way cf whren florida wells although fourth amendment expressly requires latter course reasonable proportional response circumstances offense majority gives officers unfettered discretion choose course without articulating single reason action appropriate unbounded discretion carries grave potential abuse majority takes comfort lack evidence epidemic unnecessary arrests ante relatively small number published cases dealing arrests proves little provide little solace indeed recent debate racial profiling demonstrates clearly relatively minor traffic infraction may often serve excuse stopping harassing individual today arsenal available officer extends full arrest searches permissible concomitant arrest officer subjective motivations making traffic stop relevant considerations determining reasonableness stop see whren supra precisely motivations beyond purview must vigilantly ensure officers poststop actions properly within reach comport fourth amendment guarantee reasonableness neglects fourth amendment express command name administrative ease cloaks pointless indignity gail atwater suffered mantle reasonableness respectfully dissent footnotes turek previously stopped atwater thought seatbelt violation realized atwater son although seated vehicle armrest fact belted atwater acknowledged son seating position unsafe turek issued verbal warning see record term apparently meant different things different contexts instance statute enacted reign charles ii forbidding service warrant process sunday except cases treason felony breach peace car ii ch statutes large held every indictable offense constructively breach peace wilgus arrest without warrant rev see also ex parte whitchurch atk eng ch term carried similarly broad meaning employed define jurisdiction justices peace see hawkins pleas crown ch ed hereinafter hawkins delimit scope parliamentary privilege see williamson discussing origins arrest clause art cl even used describe arrest authority term precise import altogether clear see turner kenny outlines criminal law ed strangely enough constitutes breach peace authoritatively laid williams arrest breach peace crim rev expression breach peace seems clearer surprising lack authoritative definition one suppose fundamental concept criminal law wilgus supra constitutes breach peace entirely certain often used reference arrest power term seemed connote element violence see dalton country justice ch breach th peace seemeth injurious force violence moved person another goods lands possessions whether threatening words furious gesture force body force used terrorem occasion however commentators included descriptions breaches peace offenses necessarily involve violence threat thereof see hale methodical summary principal matters relating pleas crown ed barretries blackstone commentaries laws england hereinafter blackstone preading false news purposes case unnecessary reach definitive resolution uncertainty stated text assume used context arrest phrase breach peace understood narrowly entailing least threat violence foss judges england cf trotter seventeenth century life country parish special reference local government describing broad authority local constables concluding short constable must apprehend take charge present trial persons broke laws written unwritten king peace statutes realm see hawkins ch herever warrantless arrest may justified private person every case fortiori may justified peace officer king wilkes wils eng money leach burr eng two decisions arising controversy generated wilkes wood lofft eng paradigm search seizure case americans founding generation amar fourth amendment first principles harv rev also contain dicta suggesting somewhat broader conception arrest power one atwater advances see king wilkes wils eng crime done sight justice peace may commit criminal upon spot money leach eng common law many cases gives authority arrest without warrant especially taken act geo iv ch statutes large atwater seeks distinguish nightwalker statutes arguing reflected reasonable notion age lighting finding person walking dead night equaled probable suspicion person felon reply brief petitioners hale indicates however nightwalkers felons considered one hale history pleas crown watchman may apprehend commit custody till morning also felons persons suspected felony given early colonial state laws fact number ratified fourth amendment generally incorporated principles constitutions statutes see wilson arkansas aid atwater receptions common law whether state constitution state statute generally provided rules subject statutory alteration see del art swindler sources documents constitutions hereinafter swindler common law england shall remain force unless shall altered future law legislature art xxii swindler common law england shall still remain force shall altered future law legislature art xxxv swindler uch parts common law england statute law england great britain together form law new york april shall continue law state subject alterations provisions legislature state shall time time make concerning laws ch first laws state north carolina cushing ed parts common law heretofore force use within territory abrogated repealed hereby declared full force within state ordinances may ch statutes large virginia hening ed common law england shall rule decision shall considered full force shall altered legislative power colony courts commentators alike read act conferring broad warrantless arrest authority federal officers indeed act passage soon adoption fourth amendment underscores probability constitutional provision intended restrict entirely different practices watson powell concurring see also amar fourth amendment first principles harv need thus speculate whether fourth amendment entails presence requirement purposes misdemeanor arrests cf welsh wisconsin white dissenting requirement misdemeanor must occurred officer presence justify warrantless arrest grounded fourth amendment see appendix infra see federal bureau investigation agents authorized make arrests without warrant offense committed presence marshals deputies secret service agents postal inspectors environmental protection agency officers customs officers drug enforcement administration agents bureau indian affairs officers indeed dissent chooses deal history see post dissenting doubt clear text historical record nearly murky dissent suggests see supra parliamentary statutes clearly authorizing warrantless arrests offenses colonial state statutes clearly authorizing history moreover one tools relevant fourth amendment inquiry post justice observed courts must reluctant conclude fourth amendment proscribes practice accepted time adoption bill rights continued receive support many state legislatures tennessee garner dissenting opinion practice making warrantless misdemeanor arrests surely see supra dissent claim practice accepted fourth amendment adopted constitutionally impermissible dissent bears heavy burden justifying departure historical understanding ibid although unclear atwater briefs whether rule proposes bar custodial arrests offenses even made pursuant warrant oral argument atwater counsel concede warrant obtained arrest reasonable tr oral arg terry ohio upon dissent relies see post contrary terry certainly supports finely tuned approach fourth amendment police act without traditional justification either warrant case search probable cause case arrest provides least absence extraordinary circumstances whren comparable cause finicking police act justification compare brief petitioners tr oral arg misdemeanors difficulties attendant major crime distinction largely treat together see welsh first offense smuggling liquor subject maximum fine subsequent offense punishable days imprisonment first offense possession personal use amount controlled substance subject maximum fine subsequent offense punishable imprisonment tex penal code ann supp first public drunkenness disorderly conduct offense subject maximum fine third offense punishable days imprisonment see possession personal use amount controlled substance subject maximum fine possession larger amount punishable one year imprisonment tex health safety code ann supp possession four ounces less marijuana misdemeanor possession four ounces felony see generally national survey state laws leiter ed surveying state laws concerning drug possession instance act allowing small child stand unrestrained front seat moving vehicle least arguably constitutes child endangerment texas law state jail felony tex penal code ann supp cf also jur criminal law ome statutory schemes permit courts discretion term certain offenses felonies misdemeanors see watson judgment nation congress long authorize warrantless public arrests probable cause rather encumber criminal prosecutions endless litigation respect existence exigent circumstances whether practicable get warrant whether suspect flee like doctrine qualified immunity panacea dissent believes see post dissent rightly acknowledges even personal liability ultimately materialize mere specter liability may inhibit public officials discharge duties post even officers airtight qualified immunity defenses forced incur expenses litigation endure diversion official energy pressing public issues harlow fitzgerald somewhat perversely disincentive arrest produced atwater opaque standard pronounced situations police officers least afford hesitate acting spur heat moment supra seriously expect events unfolding fast officer able tell much confidence whether suspect conduct qualified even reasonably qualified one exceptions atwater general rule referred newspaper account girl taken custody eating french fries washington subway station tr oral arg see also washington post describing incident surprisingly given practical political considerations discussed text washington metro transit police recently revised policy provide citation lieu custodial arrest subway snackers washington post one atwater amici described handful brief brief american civil liberties union et al amici curiae reporting arrests littering riding bicycle without bell gong operating business without license walking create hazard dissent insists minor traffic infraction may serve excuse harassment misdemeanor prohibitions may enforced arbitrary manner post thus dissent warns rule recognize today potentially serious consequences everyday lives americans carries grave potential abuse post dissent language may potentially betrays speculative nature claims noticeably absent parade horribles indication potential abuse ever ripened reality fact pointed text simply evidence widespread abuse arrest authority