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Search, Seizure, and Suppression
Hon. Joseph Grasso,
3 credits day; 3 credits evening. This is an intensive course in the law of search and seizure with
particular emphasis on the added protections provided by Article 14 of the Massachusetts
Declaration of Rights, beyond those of the 4th Amendment to the United States Constitution.
The course provides students with an understanding of the entire law of search and seizure, from
determining when a search or seizure has occurred, to stop and frisk, searches with a warrant,
and searches undertaken pursuant to recognized exceptions to the warrant requirement. Emphasis
is given to developing a methodology for analyzing and resolving problems. Each session
utilizes hypothetical problems from selected cases as the focus for analysis, questioning, and
discussion. Class participation is essential to understanding the subject matter and the proper
methodology for analyzing problems. Student participation is required, and rewarded where
appropriate. The written final examination consists of four hypotheticals for analysis and
resolution.
This course focuses on the peculiarities of Massachusetts law and the greater protections
afforded by Articles 12 and 14 of the Massachusetts Declaration of Rights, and common law that
are afforded by the Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth amendments to the U.S. Constitution. Massachusetts
law is far more defendant friendly than federal law. Keeping abreast of the continuing evolution
of the separate protections afforded under Articles 14 and 12 and the exclusionary rule is critical
to criminal practice in Massachusetts. The course provides not only a detailed exposition of the
issues, but more importantly a framework for analyzing, presenting, and deciding any problem in
the area of search and seizure, from field encounters, stop and frisk, arrest, searches with a
warrant, and searches undertaken without a warrant. Similarly the course considers statements
and identifications and the constitutional and common law requirements in these important areas.
Students will learn how to raise issues properly under the Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Amendments
to the U.S. Constitution, Art. 14 and 12 of the Massachusetts Declaration of Rights, and the
common law consonant with Rule 13 of the Mass. R. Crim. P. Knowledge of the rules of
evidence is helpful, but not required.
Enrollment is limited: 20
Elective Course
Recommended for the Mass Bar
Final Exam Required