No. 01-8047October Term 2001Decided March 4, 2002Updated Sep 5, 2026
Perez v. United States
The Supreme Court left the lower-court result for the United States intact without resolving the bag-search question.
Case status
Where it stands
Decided · March 4, 2002
Question presented
Whether the Fourth Amendment prohibits the warrantless search of a backpack, piece of luggage, or other bag carried by an individual at the time of his arrest once police have secured the bag and eliminated any possibility of reaching a weapon or evidence inside it.
Timeline
Decision
What the Court decided
The Supreme Court left the lower-court result for the United States intact without resolving the bag-search question.
Impact
The case concerns people arrested while carrying a backpack, suitcase, or other bag. It leaves in place the lower-court result on whether officers may search a secured bag without a warrant.
Opinion documents
Briefing
What it's about
The Court declined to review Perez v. United States and did not decide the Fourth Amendment question. The lower-court result favoring the United States remains in place.
Impact
The case concerns people arrested while carrying a backpack, suitcase, or other bag. It leaves in place the lower-court result on whether officers may search a secured bag without a warrant.
What's next
This Supreme Court docket action is finished. The lower-court ruling remains the operative result for the parties.
What did the Supreme Court rule in Perez v. United States?
The Court declined review and did not decide the merits. The lower-court result favoring the United States remains in place.
Who is affected by the Perez bag-search dispute?
People arrested while carrying backpacks, luggage, or similar bags may be affected. The case concerns searches after officers secure the bag.
What happens next in Perez v. United States?
The Supreme Court action is complete. The lower-court ruling continues to govern the parties.
Timing
Decided March 4, 2002
The Court released its decision on March 4, 2002 without hearing oral argument.
Documents
Opinions
Activity
AI analysis generated: Case Briefing
Opinion added: Perez
Related cases
Geofence warrantsOkello T. Chatrie, Petitioner v. United StatesDecided25-112Decided
Munson P. Hunter, III, Petitioner v. United StatesDecided24-1063Decided
Ahmad Abouammo v. United StatesDecided25-5146Decided
Terry Pitchford, Petitioner v. Burl Cain, Commissioner, Mississippi Department of Corrections, et al.Decided24-7351Sources
Primary materials plus reporting. Best-effort analysis: this explainer relies on a mix of primary materials and trusted secondary sources. Official filings and opinions remain authoritative.