Pierce v. California
In brief
The Supreme Court refused to hear Pierce's petition (denied review), so it did not decide whether California's DNA collection and keeping are allowed under the Fourth Amendment.
- Where it stands
- Decided
Decided · May 4, 2020
- What it’s about
- Pierce v. California is a case appealed from the Supreme Court of California to the U.S.
- Who it affects
- The refusal left unanswered whether California may collect DNA from people arrested for a felony before conviction or keep it from people never charged or convicted.
Summary: written with AI from the case record.
What it's about
Supreme Court. The petitioner filed for a writ of certiorari and requested to proceed without paying court fees.
The case came from California's highest court, and Pierce asked to proceed without paying court fees.
Question presented
1. Does the Fourth Amendment permit the suspicionless collection and profiling of DNA from persons who have been arrested for, but not yet convicted of, a felony? 2. Does the Fourth Amendment permit the indefinite retention of DNA profiles and samples from persons who are never charged with or convicted of a crime?
What the Court decided
Holding
Petition DENIED.
What's next
The Supreme Court has finished this docket action. No further Supreme Court proceeding is stated for this case.
Documents
Opinions
Key filings
Docket activity
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AI analysis generated: Case Briefing
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Sources
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.