Supreme Court of the United States

Arkansas v. Sullivan

May 29, 2001532 U.S. 769

Summary

The Supreme Court reversed the Arkansas Supreme Court, holding that subjective police motivation is irrelevant under the Fourth Amendment where probable cause exists (Whren) and state courts cannot expand federal constitutional rights beyond Supreme Court precedent (Hass). Justice Ginsburg concurred, noting concerns about police discretion but joining the judgment given current law.