New York Court of Appeals
In the Matter of Muhammad F., a Person Alleged to Be a Juvenile Delinquent, Respondent. Presentment Agency…
November 30, 199994 N.Y.2d 136
Summary
The Court held that the suspicionless, roving taxi stops conducted by the Taxi-Livery Task Force were unconstitutional seizures under the Fourth Amendment because they lacked neutral, fixed guidelines and allowed unfettered officer discretion. Accordingly, the Court affirmed the Appellate Division's order suppressing the evidence in Muhammad F. and reversed the Supreme Court's decision in Boswell, reinstating the suppression of the drugs. Justice Smith dissented, arguing the stops were reasonable and the searches lawful.