Case Study Assignment

Scenario:

Two homicide detectives employed by the local city police department want to conduct a "knock and talk" at a murder suspect's home. There is a grassy road leading to the suspect's home, but it is faster for the detectives to travel by boat. They use the department's marine patrol vessel, arrive at the suspect's home, and dock their boat. They walk up the dock to the path leading to the suspect's home. As they approach the front door, they notice a trash pile in the back yard. On top of the trash pile is a pair of pants with red-colored stains on them. The officers seize the pants, which turn out to be stained with the victim's blood. The pants are critical evidence. The defendant's attorney moves to suppress the pants.

What is the state's best argument for the validity of the seizure to include the pants as admissible evidence?

Ensure you cover the following issues in your arguments:

- curtilage,
- exigent circumstances,
- knock and announce/knock and talk,
- plain view, and
- public space.

Cite relevant case law when appropriate.

Your paper should be at least two pages in length, follow APA guidelines, and include a title and reference page. The title and reference page do not count towards the minimum page length. Use at least one article from the Waldorf Online Library (the ProQuest Criminal Justice database is a good place to start your research). Properly cite the textbook and any other scholarly references utilized to support your position.