No. 12-207October Term 2012Decided Feb 15, 2013Updated Sep 3, 2026
Maryland v. King
DNA collection from people arrested for serious crimes may be part of routine booking under the Fourth Amendment.
Case status
Decided 5-4 · February 15, 2013
- Current stage
- Decided
- Latest event
- Decision released Feb 15, 2013
- What it's about
The Supreme Court held that law enforcement officers can constitutionally collect DNA samples from individuals arrested for serious crimes as part of routine booking procedures. The Court ruled that this practice serves a legitimate state interest and does not violate the Fourth Amendment.
Question presented
Does the Fourth Amendment allow states to collect and analyze DNA from people arrested, but not convicted, of serious crimes?
- Case path
Court of Appeals of Maryland / Decision released Feb 15, 2013
- Area
Criminal Procedure
Decision
What the Court decided
DNA collection from people arrested for serious crimes may be part of routine booking under the Fourth Amendment.
Impact
The decision allows DNA swabs during booking for people arrested for serious crimes, even before a conviction. For example, a person arrested on a serious charge may have a DNA sample taken as part of identification procedures.
Not official Court text.
Vote
- Vote split
- 5-4
Majority
- John G. Roberts, Jr.
- Anthony M. Kennedy
- Clarence Thomas
- Stephen G. Breyer
- Samuel A. Alito, Jr.
Dissenting
- Antonin Scalia(author)
- Ruth Bader Ginsburg
- Sonia Sotomayor
- Elena Kagan
Briefing
What it's about
The Supreme Court decided that police may collect and analyze DNA from people arrested for serious crimes during routine booking. The Court said the practice serves a legitimate state interest and does not violate the Fourth Amendment.
Vote
Impact
The decision allows DNA swabs during booking for people arrested for serious crimes, even before a conviction. For example, a person arrested on a serious charge may have a DNA sample taken as part of identification procedures.
What's next
The case is finished. Law enforcement may use DNA collection during routine booking procedures for people arrested for serious crimes.
What did the Supreme Court rule in Maryland v. King?
The Court said DNA may be collected and analyzed during routine booking for people arrested for serious crimes. It found no Fourth Amendment violation.
Who is affected by the Maryland v. King decision?
People arrested for serious crimes can be required to provide a DNA sample during booking. Police may use the sample to identify the arrestee and review criminal history.
What happens next after Maryland v. King?
The case is finished. The decision permits DNA collection as part of routine booking for arrests involving serious crimes.
Timing
Decided February 15, 2013
The Court released its decision on February 15, 2013 without hearing oral argument.
Activity
Docket activity2
AI analysis generated: Case Briefing
Sep 3, 2026 | Generated
Brief added: Questions Presented
Mar 11, 2026 | Court records
Related cases
Grounding
- Grounding
- Primary materials plus reporting.
- Note
- Best-effort analysis: this explainer relies on a mix of primary materials and trusted secondary sources. Official filings and opinions remain authoritative.
- Checked
- Sep 3, 2026
- Method
- Methodology