Lesson Discussion Board

Knock-and-announce vs. No-Knock Search Warrants

Debate the police use of force in executing search warrants coming down to an analysis of two classifications of entry into a residence or building. Follow the links below and discuss the following questions.

Legal Information Institute: Knock and Announce Rule

Legal Information Institute: No-Knock Warrant

Legal Information Institute: United States v. Banks

1. Based on the definition of "No-Knock" warrants and "Knock-and-announce" warrants, explain the pros and cons of each type of entry.

2. Which type of entry allows force to be used? "No-Knock" or" Knock-and-announce"?

3. In the case of United States v. Banks, how much time was Banks given to come to the door?

4. What was the Supreme Court's ruling on the amount of time given by police for Banks to come to the door?

5. Based on what you have learned about search warrant entries, what is the fundamental difference between a "No-Knock" warrant and a "Knock-and-announce" warrant?