William Trevor Case, Petitioner v. Montana

The Supreme Court unanimously sided with Montana and left in place the state court's decision. The case asked when police may enter a home without a warrant to give emergency aid.

The Court affirmed in a 9-0 decision authored by Justice Kagan.

Majority

Kagan

Sotomayor

Roberts

Thomas

Alito

Gorsuch

Kavanaugh

Barrett

Jackson

“Police may enter when they have an "objectively reasonable basis for believing" that someone inside needs emergency aid.”

The decision affects police officers, people in their homes, and trial judges reviewing emergency entries. For example, officers responding to signs of a medical crisis may enter if they reasonably believe someone inside needs help.

Lower courts and police agencies will apply the Supreme Court's rule to future emergency-entry cases. Departments may update training, and judges will use this decision when deciding whether evidence from those entries can be used.

The case asked whether police may enter a home without a warrant on less than probable cause when they believe an emergency is happening. The Supreme Court ruled for Montana.

Police officers, homeowners, and people needing urgent help are directly affected. The decision also guides judges deciding whether an emergency entry was lawful.

Montana's result stands, and lower courts must follow the Supreme Court's rule. Police agencies may revise training and policies for emergency home entries.