Today in Supreme Court History: November 18

Ohio v. Robinette, 519 U.S. 33 (decided November 18, 1996): search of car was truly consensual even though police officer didn’t first tell driver he was “free to go” (police asked to search, driver said yes, and drugs were found)

Pennsylvania Bureau of Correction v. United States Marshals Service, 474 U.S. 34 (decided November 18, 1985): habeas statute does not allow federal judge to order marshals to bring state prisoners to the courthouse as witnesses; must be by subpoena served on those having custody (suit was over state prison guard brutality)

Recznik v. City of Lorain, 393 U.S. 166 (decided November 18, 1968): apartment above cigar store was not “public establishment” and therefore warrant needed for entry (police had seen parked cars outside and people entering; they entered through back door and saw a dice game in progress and made arrests for gambling)