police inquiry (Massachusetts) · Go Syfert
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police inquiry in Massachusetts

64 Massachusetts opinions name it 3 courts 1974–2024 3 in the last five years

The cases below were cited by Massachusetts courts in a sentence that names this issue. Sides come from how each citing opinion treated the case (Syfertize flag on that citation), so a case can appear on both: that is where the law is contested. A red or yellow chip is the case's own overall treatment.

Followed or applied (53)

CaseFollowedCited
Commonwealth v. Carriongreen
mass · 1990 · cited in 10 Massachusetts opinions naming this issue, 1991–2024
2 sentences

2024"False statements made to the police are a standard example of admissible evidence on consciousness of guilt." Commonwealth v. Carrion, 407 Mass. 263, 276 (1990).

2023"False statements made to the police are a standard 5 example of admissible evidence on consciousness of guilt." Commonwealth v. Carrion, 407 Mass. 263, 276 (1990).

1010
Commonwealth v. Torresgreen
mass · 1997 · cited in 9 Massachusetts opinions naming this issue, 1998–2017
2 sentences

2014See Commonwealth v. Torres, 424 Mass. 153, 158 (1997) (“It is well settled that a police inquiry in a routine traffic stop must end on the production of a valid license and registration”).

2004“It is well settled that a police inquiry in a routine traffic stop must end on the production of a valid license and registration unless the police have grounds for inferring that either the operator or his passengers were involved in the commission of a crime ... or engaged in other suspicious conduct.” Commonwealth v. Torres, 424 Mass. at 158 , quoting Commonwealth v. Torres, 40 Mass.App.Ct. 6, 9 (1996).

89
District Attorney for the Plymouth District v. Coffeygreen
mass · 1982 · cited in 3 Massachusetts opinions naming this issue, 2002–2011
2 sentences

2011See Commonwealth v. Leone, 386 Mass. 329, 333 (1982) (“Evidence discovered and seized by private parties is admissible without regard to the methods used, unless State officials have instigated or participated in the search”); see also Dist Attorney for the Plymouth Dist. v. Coffey, 386 Mass. 218, 221 (1982) (“[EJvidence illegally obtained by private parties and turned over to the police is not a violation of the Fourth Amendment”).

2008Attorney for the Plymouth Dist. v. Coffey, 386 Mass. 218, 221 (1982) (“evidence illegally obtained by private parties and turned over to the police is not a violation of the Fourth Amendment”). [T]he policy underlying the Fourth and Fourteenth Amendment [is not intended] to discourage citizens from aiding to the utmost of their ability in the apprehension of criminals." Coolidge, 403 U.S. at 488 .

33
Commonwealth v. Torresgreen
massappct · 1996 · cited in 4 Massachusetts opinions naming this issue, 1997–2004
2 sentences

2004“It is well settled that a police inquiry in a routine traffic stop must end on the production of a valid license and registration unless the police have grounds for inferring that either the operator or his passengers were involved in the commission of a crime ... or engaged in other suspicious conduct.” Commonwealth v. Torres, 424 Mass. at 158 , quoting Commonwealth v. Torres, 40 Mass.App.Ct. 6, 9 (1996).

2001“It is well settled that a police inquiry in a routine traffic stop must end on the production of a valid license and registration unless the police have grounds for inferring that ‘either the operator or his passengers were involved in the commission of a crime ... or engaged in other suspicious conduct’ (citations omitted).” Commonwealth v. Torres, 424 Mass. 153, 158 (1997), quoting from Commonwealth v. Torres, 40 Mass. App. Ct. 6, 9 (1996). 1 Here, there were a number of suggestive factors, each of which, by itself, would not be enough to detain the defendant but when combined amounted to r

24
Commonwealth v. Meehangreen
mass · 1979 · cited in 2 Massachusetts opinions naming this issue, 2001–2011
2 sentences

2011See Commonwealth v. Meehan, supra at 563-564 .

2011See Commonwealth v. Meehan, supra at 563-564 .

22
Commonwealth v. Robiegreen
massappct · 2001 · cited in 2 Massachusetts opinions naming this issue, 2003–2010
2 sentences

2010I respectfully dissent from the majority opinion and begin by observing that “[i]t is well settled that a police inquiry in a routine traffic stop must end on the production of a valid license and registration unless the police have grounds for inferring that ‘either the operator or his passengers were involved in the commission of a crime ... or engaged in other suspicious conduct’ (citations omitted).” Commonwealth v. Robie, 51 Mass. App. Ct. 494, 497 (2001).

2003Torres, 433 Mass. 669 at 674 ; Commonwealth v. Robie, 51 Mass.App.Ct. 494, 498 (2001).

22
Commonwealth v. Ferraragreen
mass · 1978 · cited in 2 Massachusetts opinions naming this issue, 2009–2014
2 sentences

2014See also Commonwealth v. Ferrara, 376 Mass. 502, 505 (1978).

2009See Commonwealth v. Feyenord, 445 Mass. 72 , 78 n.5 (2005), cert, denied, 545 U.S. 1187 (2006); Commonwealth v. Torres, 424 Mass. 153, 158 (1997); Commonwealth v. Loughlin, 385 Mass. 60, 62 (1982); Commonwealth v. Ferrara, supra at 505 .

12
Terry v. Ohiogreen
scotus · 1968 · cited in 2 Massachusetts opinions naming this issue, 1996–1999
2 sentences

1999See also Terry v. Ohio, 392 U.S. 1,21 (1968).

1996That “external patting” limitation — which reflected the actual facts in Terry v. Ohio, supra, 392 U.S. at 29 -30 — was not mandated by Terry as the invariably necessary first step in every protective search.

12
Commonwealth v. Cruzgreen
mass · 1993 · cited in 2 Massachusetts opinions naming this issue, 1994–1994
2 sentences

1994I mean, he was — seemed to be getting out of hand, I think, as far as being loud.” “False statements to the police are standard examples of admissible evidence of consciousness of guilt.” Commonwealth v. Cruz, 416 Mass. 27, 29 (1993).

1994The court observed that “[f]alse statements to the police are standard examples of admissible evidence of consciousness of guilt.” Id. at 29 .

12
Commonwealth v. Corderogreen
mass · 2017 · cited in 1 Massachusetts opinions naming this issue, 2020–2020
1 sentence

2020At the same time, "[i]t is well settled that a police inquiry in a routine traffic stop must end when the purpose of the stop is accomplished unless the police have grounds for inferring that either the operator or his passengers were involved in the commission of a crime or engaged in other suspicious conduct." Cordero, 477 Mass. at 241 (internal quotations omitted).

11
Commonwealth v. Blevinesgreen
mass · 2003 · cited in 1 Massachusetts opinions naming this issue, 2016–2016
2 sentences

2016Cf. Commonwealth v. Blevines, 438 Mass. 604, 608 (2003) (officer justified in retrieving “hard object” felt during patfrisk to dispel concern it was weapon).

2016Cf. Commonwealth v. Blevines, 438 Mass. 604, 608 (2003) (officer justified in retrieving "hard object" felt during patfrisk to dispel concern it was weapon).

11
Whren v. United Statesgreen
scotus · 1996 · cited in 1 Massachusetts opinions naming this issue, 2016–2016
1 sentence

2016See Whren v. United States, 517 U.S. 806, 815 (1996) (court declined to apply exclusionary rule because police acted reasonably, notwithstanding that stop violated police regulations).

11
Commonwealth v. Connollygreen
mass · 2009 · cited in 1 Massachusetts opinions naming this issue, 2014–2014
1 sentence

2014Where a search warrant is required, however, the standard becomes “probable cause to believe ‘that a particularly described offense has been, is being, or is about to be committed, and that [the CSLI being sought] will produce evidence of such offense or will aid in the apprehension of a person who the applicant has probable cause to believe has committed, is committing, or is about to commit such offense.’ ” Ante at 256, quoting Commonwealth v. Connolly, 454 Mass. 808, 825 (2009).

11
Commonwealth v. Fordgreen
mass · 1985 · cited in 1 Massachusetts opinions naming this issue, 2014–2014
2 sentences

2014See, e.g., Commonwealth v. Ford, 394 Mass. 421, 426-427 (1985) (warrantless storage search of trunk of automobile conducted without consent, probable cause, or exigent circumstances and not conducted pursuant to standard procedures established by the police department).

2014See, e.g., Commonwealth v. Ford, 394 Mass. 421, 426-427 (1985) (warrantless storage search of trunk of automobile conducted without consent, probable cause, or exigent circumstances and not conducted pursuant to standard procedures established by the police department).

11
Commonwealth v. Rosariogreen
mass · 1996 · cited in 1 Massachusetts opinions naming this issue, 2011–2011
1 sentence

2011In particular, he argues that neither the waiver of his Miranda rights nor the second statement itself was voluntary, and therefore should have been suppressed; and that in any event the statement should have been suppressed under Commonwealth v. Rosario, 422 Mass. 48, 56-57 (1996) (Rosario), because he gave it more than six hours after his effective arrest and without waiving his right to prompt arraignment.

11
Florida v. JLgreen
scotus · 2000 · cited in 1 Massachusetts opinions naming this issue, 2011–2011
1 sentence

2011See Florida v. J.L., 529 U.S. 266, 266 (2000) (a merely physical description, without more, is not sufficient for probable cause to stop an individual).

11
Commonwealth v. Leonegreen
mass · 1982 · cited in 1 Massachusetts opinions naming this issue, 2011–2011
1 sentence

2011See Commonwealth v. Leone, 386 Mass. 329, 333 (1982) (“Evidence discovered and seized by private parties is admissible without regard to the methods used, unless State officials have instigated or participated in the search”); see also Dist Attorney for the Plymouth Dist. v. Coffey, 386 Mass. 218, 221 (1982) (“[EJvidence illegally obtained by private parties and turned over to the police is not a violation of the Fourth Amendment”).

11
Commonwealth v. Feyenordgreen
mass · 2005 · cited in 1 Massachusetts opinions naming this issue, 2009–2009
1 sentence

2009See Commonwealth v. Feyenord, 445 Mass. 72 , 78 n.5 (2005), cert, denied, 545 U.S. 1187 (2006); Commonwealth v. Torres, 424 Mass. 153, 158 (1997); Commonwealth v. Loughlin, 385 Mass. 60, 62 (1982); Commonwealth v. Ferrara, supra at 505 .

11
Commonwealth v. Eppichgreen
mass · 1961 · cited in 1 Massachusetts opinions naming this issue, 2009–2009
1 sentence

2009See Commonwealth v. Carrion, 407 Mass. 263, 276 (1990) (“False statements made to the police are a standard example of admissible evidence on consciousness of guilt”); Commonwealth v. Eppich, 342 Mass. 487, 492 (1961) (false statements, particularly when coupled with other incriminating evidence, may be indicative of consciousness of guilt); Commonwealth v. Mitchell, 20 Mass. App. Ct. 902 (1985) (defendant’s statement to police that he was “partying” at time of alleged burglary, when taken in conjunction with evidence that defendant’s coat was covered in construction dust found near crime scen

11
Commonwealth v. Carpgreen
massappct · 1999 · cited in 1 Massachusetts opinions naming this issue, 2009–2009
1 sentence

2009We have no doubt that Hensley understood that the police inquiry was criminal in nature, unlike the defendant in Commonwealth v. Carp, 47 Mass. App. Ct. 229, 234 (1999).

11
Commonwealth v. Loughlingreen
mass · 1982 · cited in 1 Massachusetts opinions naming this issue, 2009–2009
1 sentence

2009See Commonwealth v. Feyenord, 445 Mass. 72 , 78 n.5 (2005), cert, denied, 545 U.S. 1187 (2006); Commonwealth v. Torres, 424 Mass. 153, 158 (1997); Commonwealth v. Loughlin, 385 Mass. 60, 62 (1982); Commonwealth v. Ferrara, supra at 505 .

11
Commonwealth v. Evansgreen
mass · 2002 · cited in 1 Massachusetts opinions naming this issue, 2006–2006
11
Cady v. Dombrowskigreen
scotus · 1973 · cited in 1 Massachusetts opinions naming this issue, 2006–2006
1 sentence

2006The community caretaking function is unrelated to the “detection, investigation, or acquisition of evidence relating to the violation of a criminal statute.” Commonwealth v. Evans, 436 Mass. 369, 372 (2002), quoting Cady v. Dombrowski, 413 U.S. 433, 441 (1973).

11
New York v. Quarlesgreen
scotus · 1984 · cited in 1 Massachusetts opinions naming this issue, 2005–2005
11
Commonwealth v. Alan A.green
massappct · 1999 · cited in 1 Massachusetts opinions naming this issue, 2005–2005
11
Commonwealth v. Smithgreen
mass · 1992 · cited in 1 Massachusetts opinions naming this issue, 2005–2005
11
Commonwealth v. Olsengreen
mass · 1989 · cited in 1 Massachusetts opinions naming this issue, 2003–2003
11
Walter v. United Statesgreen
scotus · 1980 · cited in 1 Massachusetts opinions naming this issue, 2003–2003
11
Commonwealth v. Storellagreen
massappct · 1978 · cited in 1 Massachusetts opinions naming this issue, 2002–2002
11
Commonwealth v. McCambridgegreen
massappct · 1998 · cited in 1 Massachusetts opinions naming this issue, 2002–2002
11
Commonwealth v. LePoregreen
massappct · 1996 · cited in 1 Massachusetts opinions naming this issue, 2002–2002
11
Commonwealth v. Va Meng Joegreen
massappct · 1996 · cited in 1 Massachusetts opinions naming this issue, 2001–2001
11
Commonwealth v. Riveragreen
massappct · 1992 · cited in 1 Massachusetts opinions naming this issue, 2001–2001
11
Commonwealth v. Fordegreen
mass · 1975 · cited in 1 Massachusetts opinions naming this issue, 2001–2001
11
Commonwealth v. Whitegreen
mass · 1977 · cited in 1 Massachusetts opinions naming this issue, 2001–2001
11
Commonwealth v. D'ONOFRIOgreen
mass · 1986 · cited in 1 Massachusetts opinions naming this issue, 2001–2001
11
Commonwealth v. Santiagogreen
massappct · 1991 · cited in 1 Massachusetts opinions naming this issue, 2001–2001
11
Commonwealth v. Santanagreen
mass · 1995 · cited in 1 Massachusetts opinions naming this issue, 2000–2000
11
Commonwealth v. Hoseygreen
mass · 1975 · cited in 1 Massachusetts opinions naming this issue, 1999–1999
11
Commonwealth v. Cunninghamgreen
mass · 1989 · cited in 1 Massachusetts opinions naming this issue, 1997–1997
11

Distinguished, questioned or overruled (0)

CaseNegativeCited
No negative-treatment citations attached to this issue in Massachusetts. Read the followed side critically anyway.

Also cited on this issue (24)

CaseCitedYears
Commonwealth v. Silva green
mass · 1974
2 sentences

2017"Only after the pat-down gives indication that a weapon is present do the police have the privilege to search further." Commonwealth v. Silva , 366 Mass. 402 , 408 (1974). 10 The Commonwealth makes no claim that the trooper had an objectively reasonable basis for believing that the object he felt through the defendant's clothing was a gun or knife.

2010Only after the pat-down gives indication that a weapon is present do the police have the privilege to search further.” Id. at 408 .

22010–2017
Commonwealth v. Mercado green
mass · 2013
1 sentence

2023Id. at 148-50 .

12023–2023
Commonwealth v. Smith green
mass · 2011
2 sentences

2018When considering whether the primary purpose of the police inquiry is to meet an ongoing emergency, "the guiding consideration is whether 'the information the parties knew at the time of the encounter would lead a reasonable person to believe that there was an emergency, even if that belief [is] later proved incorrect.' Thus, the 'primary purpose' inquiry is divorced from the subjective or actual intentions of the individuals involved in a particular encounter." Commonwealth v. Smith , 460 Mass. 385 , 392, 951 N.E.2d 674 (2011), quoting Bryant , supra at 359 , 361 n.8, 131 S.Ct. 1143 .

2018When considering whether the primary purpose of the police inquiry is to meet an ongoing emergency, "the guiding consideration is whether 'the information the parties knew at the time of the encounter would lead a reasonable person to believe that there was an emergency, even if that belief [is] later proved incorrect.' Thus, the 'primary purpose' inquiry is divorced from the subjective or actual intentions of the individuals involved in a particular encounter." Commonwealth v. Smith , 460 Mass. 385 , 392, 951 N.E.2d 674 (2011), quoting Bryant , supra at 359 , 361 n.8, 131 S.Ct. 1143 .

12018–2018
Michigan v. Bryant green
scotus · 2011
1 sentence

2018When considering whether the primary purpose of the police inquiry is to meet an ongoing emergency, "the guiding consideration is whether 'the information the parties knew at the time of the encounter would lead a reasonable person to believe that there was an emergency, even if that belief [is] later proved incorrect.' Thus, the 'primary purpose' inquiry is divorced from the subjective or actual intentions of the individuals involved in a particular encounter." Commonwealth v. Smith , 460 Mass. 385 , 392, 951 N.E.2d 674 (2011), quoting Bryant , supra at 359 , 361 n.8, 131 S.Ct. 1143 .

12018–2018
Commonwealth v. Robles green
mass · 1996
1 sentence

2009A judge does not err in instructing a jury that, if they find that a defendant has made false statements to the police, then they can consider the statements as evidence of consciousness of guilt. 6 See Commonwealth v. Robles, supra. The Commonwealth presented evidence that an individual wearing the same distinctive T-shirt as the defendant was observed engaging in an altercation with the victim on Ferry Street and then fleeing into Glendale Park.

12009–2009
Commonwealth v. Mitchell green
massappct · 1985
1 sentence

2009See Commonwealth v. Carrion, 407 Mass. 263, 276 (1990) (“False statements made to the police are a standard example of admissible evidence on consciousness of guilt”); Commonwealth v. Eppich, 342 Mass. 487, 492 (1961) (false statements, particularly when coupled with other incriminating evidence, may be indicative of consciousness of guilt); Commonwealth v. Mitchell, 20 Mass. App. Ct. 902 (1985) (defendant’s statement to police that he was “partying” at time of alleged burglary, when taken in conjunction with evidence that defendant’s coat was covered in construction dust found near crime scen

12009–2009
Coolidge v. New Hampshire green
scotus · 1971
1 sentence

2008Attorney for the Plymouth Dist. v. Coffey, 386 Mass. 218, 221 (1982) (“evidence illegally obtained by private parties and turned over to the police is not a violation of the Fourth Amendment”). [T]he policy underlying the Fourth and Fourteenth Amendment [is not intended] to discourage citizens from aiding to the utmost of their ability in the apprehension of criminals." Coolidge, 403 U.S. at 488 .

12008–2008
United States v. Jacobsen green
scotus · 1984
1 sentence

2008Accordingly, any evidence that the minors who burglarized the defendant’s home viewed or Rosario viewed must be admissible as they were mere “private individual[s]” and Raboin does not argue that they were “acting as . . . agent[s] of the government or with participation or knowledge of any government official.” Jacobsen, 466 U.S. at 113-14 .

12008–2008
Commonwealth v. Torres green
mass · 2001
12003–2003
Commonwealth v. Richmond green
mass · 1980
12002–2002
Commonwealth v. Va Meng Joe green
mass · 1997
12001–2001
Commonwealth v. Stack green
massappct · 2000
12001–2001
Massachusetts v. White green
scotus · 1979
12001–2001
United States v. Santana green
scotus · 1976
12001–2001
Commonwealth v. Tompert green
massappct · 1989
11996–1996
Commonwealth v. Helme green
mass · 1987
11996–1996
Commonwealth v. King green
mass · 1987
11996–1996
Commonwealth v. Bradshaw green
mass · 1982
11996–1996
Commonwealth v. King green
mass · 1983
11996–1996
Commonwealth v. Repoza green
mass · 1980
11993–1993
Miranda v. Arizona green
scotus · 1966
11989–1989
Commonwealth v. Butts green
massappct · 1986
11987–1987
Burdeau v. McDowell green
scotus · 1921
11982–1982
Commonwealth v. Hawkes green
mass · 1973
11974–1974

Statutes the citing opinions construe

MA § Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 94C, § 32E (11) MA § Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 278, § 33E (9) MA § Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 269, § 10 (5) MA § Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 276, § 1 (5) MA § Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 90, § 21 (4) MA § Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 265, § 1 (3) MA § Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 90, § 11 (3) MA § Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 90, § 7 (3)

Counted by distinct opinions that both name this issue and are annotated to the section; sections every opinion cites regardless of issue are not filtered here, so read the counts against the total above.

Where else courts name it

NY 111 (1908–2025) IL 69 (1971–2025) MA 64 (1974–2024) CA 56 (1957–2022) PA 42 (1967–2025) TX 37 (1983–2026) NJ 25 (1964–2026) CT 20 (1966–2022) MI 18 (1969–2025) OR 17 (1960–2026) MN 16 (1983–2016) OH 16 (1978–2023) MD 16 (1971–2023) MO 14 (1968–2023) GA 12 (1970–2025) FL 11 (1995–2024) RI 10 (1968–2023) IN 10 (1981–2019) WA 9 (1967–2024) VA 9 (1980–2020) AZ 9 (1966–2023) DC 8 (1978–2015) NC 8 (1965–2001) IA 7 (1987–2016) AR 7 (1975–2010) AK 7 (1968–2018) ID 7 (1995–2020) TN 6 (1986–2025) WI 6 (1991–2022) DE 6 (1986–2020) AL 6 (1984–2024) CO 5 (1965–2008) LA 5 (1975–2005) KY 5 (1992–2013) HI 5 (2004–2017) WV 4 (1987–2015) ME 4 (1982–2015) KS 4 (1988–2013) UT 4 (1988–2016) NH 4 (1986–2015) MT 3 (1987–2015) VT 3 (1998–2010) ND 2 (1994–1996) SC 2 (1932–2020) NV 2 (1975–1989) NM 2 (2021–2022)

Opinions by the citing court's state. A doctrine retained in one state and abandoned in another shows up here as a year span that stalls.

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