State v. Stephens

Today’s majority opinion, which reverses a decision of the Court of Appeals mandating suppression of certain seized evidence, is replete with phrases like “practical, common-sense approach,” “subjectivity,” “the outer limit of probable cause,” and protection of Fourth Amendment (Code Ann. § 1-804) values “whenever and *185wherever feasible.” Like Justice Brennan, I am inclined to view such talk as “code words for an overly permissive attitude toward police practices in derogation of the rights secured by the Fourth Amendment [Code Ann. § 1-804].” Illinois v. Gates, — U. S. — (103 SC 2317, 2359,…