California v. Hodari D., 499 U.S. 621 (1991)
California v. Hodari D.
Is a suspect 'seized' for Fourth Amendment purposes when they are pursued by law enforcement without physical contact or submission?
A 'seizure' under the Fourth Amendment requires either physical force by law enforcement or submission to a show of authority.
A person is not seized until they are physically apprehended by law enforcement or submit to a show of authority. The mere pursuit by police is not a seizure.
Hodari D. is significant as it provides a key interpretation of what constitutes a 'seizure' under the Fourth Amendment, directly impacting law enforcement protocols and suspect interactions. This decision has shaped how courts evaluate whether a seizure has occurred when police show authority, making it crucial for cases involving pursuits where evidence is discarded before an actual apprehension. Defense attorneys, prosecutors, and law enforcement officers must understand this precedent, as it delineates precise conditions under which a Fourth Amendment violation may occur.