State of Connecticut v. Christopher Jenkins

Summary

The court held that police may ask questions unrelated to a traffic violation and request consent to search during a routine traffic stop when those actions do not measurably or unreasonably prolong the stop. It also held that the defendant voluntarily consented to the vehicle search and that his consent objectively encompassed the vehicle's passenger compartment and unlocked center-console compartment. The court further rejected heightened protection under the Connecticut Constitution, concluding that the state constitution does not require reasonable suspicion before such questioning or consent requests, or require officers to advise motorists that they may refuse consent and leave. Justice Palmer, dissenting, would have required that advisement under the Connecticut Constitution because of the coercive circumstances of the stop.