4th Amendment
1973

Schneckloth v. Bustamonte

412 U.S. 218 (1973)

The Supreme Court ruling that anchors one of the POP phrases. Plain-English summary below, with the precise phrase to invoke and when to use it.

Phrase to invoke
"I do not consent to a search of my vehicle or my belongings."

When to use this phrase Timing

Any time an officer asks to look in your car, the trunk, your phone, or any container — before they touch anything. A clear, early refusal is the single most important thing you can say to protect your Fourth Amendment rights.

The ruling in plain English

The Supreme Court held that consent to search must be "voluntary" under the totality of the circumstances — but it does not have to be knowing (the officer does not have to tell you that you can refuse) for the search to be valid. Once you refuse, the state must find another legal basis to search.

Schneckloth v. Bustamonte, 412 U.S. 218 (1973)

Use This Phrase During Your Stop

Open Stop Mode on your phone — pinned phrase, recording timer, and live legal context.

Open Stop Mode