Carroll V. United States

In Carroll, the court established the “automobile exception” to the 4th Amendment protections against warrantless searches. In this prohibition-era case, the court noted the inherent difference between buildings and vehicles - buildings remain stationary, while cars and other vehicles can be moved and hidden before a warrant can be issued. The court held that if Officers have probable cause that an automobile contains evidence of a crime, the vehicle in question can be searched without a warrant.