Supreme Court of the United States
District of Columbia v. Wesby
January 22, 2018583 U.S. 48
Summary
The Supreme Court reversed the D.C. Circuit, holding that the officers had probable cause to arrest the partygoers and that the officers are entitled to qualified immunity. The Court based its probable‑cause finding on the totality‑of‑the‑circumstances test and concluded the officers could reasonably infer knowledge of lack of permission. It also held that the law was not clearly established to deny qualified immunity.
Holding
- Did the officers have probable cause to arrest the partygoers for unlawful entry under the Fourth Amendment?. Yes, the officers had probable cause because, under the totality‑of‑the‑circumstances, a reasonable officer could infer that the partygoers knowingly entered a house they did not have permission to use.
- Are the officers entitled to qualified immunity under 42 U.S.C. §1983?. Yes, the officers are entitled to qualified immunity because the law was not clearly established that a bona‑fide belief of a right to enter defeats probable cause or that officers must accept an innocent explanation at face value.
Docket 15-1485
Cited authorities
- Rule 15.2
- 42 U.S.C. §1983
- D.C. Code §22
- 42 U.S.C. §1983
- 42 U.S.C. §1983