Reply #18: Make sure you don't use the word "stupid" with your teacher. [View All]

I'm assuming that you are talking about warrantless searches of your home or property. The whole purpose of obtaining a warrant is to show that there is some sort of reasonable suspicion of a crime in order to do so. The police can always go into an area IF they think that a crime is occuring or a crime is imminent. By imminent, I mean something like a murder is about to occur.

If no crime is occuring or is imminent, I don't understand why the police shouldn't have to show cause in order to get a warrant and search your car or property. Police who are simply "suspicious" can do more damage than good. Remember, the police are there to assist in the enforcement of laws. There are other members of law enforcement, such as the state's attorneys, whose job it is to look at the evidence and assist in proceeding lawfully.

Police on the loose could actually damage the ability of others to skillfully conduct investigations and collect evidence. Potential criminals good be set free because of bungling.

Besides, do you really want the police, simply acting on information from your neighbor that you are a terrorist, to be able to come into your house without a warrant. You'd have neighborhood feuds going on throughout the country with neighbors "turning in" neighbors because they are mad at the way someone parks their car on the street.