Case Law Index
state2014
Additional Highlights:Fourth AmendmentGPS TrackingState Constitution
Commonwealth v. McCarthy
Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court
Key Holding
Massachusetts law provides greater protection than the federal Fourth Amendment for long-term GPS tracking of vehicles; a warrant is required.
Case Summary
This Massachusetts SJC decision held that the state constitution provides greater privacy protections than the federal Fourth Amendment with respect to prolonged GPS surveillance of a vehicle, requiring police to obtain a warrant for such tracking.
Primary Source: https://www.courtlistener.com/