Sanders v. United States

The justices are being asked whether police could enter Kenneth Sanders's home without a warrant during a welfare check after a reported fight and crying inside. The Court previously sent the case back for reconsideration after Caniglia v. Strom rejected using a broad caretaking rationale to justify entering a home without a warrant.

Argument has not been scheduled. In 2021, the Court granted review, vacated the Eighth Circuit's judgment, and sent the case back for further consideration in light of Caniglia v. Strom.

“"In this Fourth Amendment case, the Eighth Circuit relied on the 'community caretaking' doctrine to uphold the warrantless entry into a home."”

The answer could affect how officers respond to welfare checks and domestic violence calls when they think someone inside may need help. It also matters to families, because it shapes when police may enter a home without a judge's approval.

Watch for oral argument or another scheduling move from the Court. No decision window is available yet.

The case asks whether officers could lawfully enter Sanders's home without a warrant during a welfare check after a reported fight and crying inside.

It could shape how police handle welfare checks and domestic violence calls when children are present. It also affects how strongly the home is protected from quick entry.

Watch for oral argument or another scheduling order. No decision window is available yet.