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No. 20-157October Term 2020Decided May 17, 2021Updated May 24, 2026

Docket 20-157October Term 2020 (2020–2021)

Caniglia v. Strom

This case asked whether police may enter a home and seize firearms without a warrant under the Fourth Amendment’s so-called “community caretaking” doctrine after responding to a welfare check involving concerns that Edward Caniglia might harm himself.

Case status

Decided 9-0 · May 17, 2021 · Opinion by Justice Thomas

Read the opinion (PDF)
Current stage
Decided
Latest event
Decision released May 17, 2021
Case Accepted
Arguments
Decision ReleasedMay 17, 2021
What it's about

This case asked whether police may enter a home and seize firearms without a warrant under the Fourth Amendment’s so-called “community caretaking” doctrine after responding to a welfare check involving concerns that Edward Caniglia might harm himself. The Supreme Court held that this exception, which had been recognized in the vehicle context, does not extend to the home.

Question presented

Whether the "community caretaking'' exception to the Fourth Amendment's warrant requirement extends to the home?

Case path

United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit / Decision released May 17, 2021

Area

Criminal Procedure, Gun Rights

Timing

Decided May 17, 2021

The Court released its decision on May 17, 2021 without hearing oral argument.

Activity

Docket activity3
  • Brief added: Questions Presented

    May 24, 2026 | Court records

  • Opinion added: opinion

    May 17, 2021 | Court records

  • Brief added: Petition

    Aug 10, 2020 | Court records