Question

What was the Court's finding in California v. Carney (1985) as to the warrantless search of motor homes under the Fourth Amendment?
a. The automobile exception applied because the motor home in question was situated to suggest it was a readily mobile vehicle.
b. Mobile homes should be treated as residences under the Fourth Amendment if they are located on property rented or owned by the driver.
c. Mobile homes should be treated as residences under the Fourth Amendment.
d. Mobile homes are included in the automobile exception because they are a type of motorized vehicle.

Answer 1

a. The automobile exception applied because the motor home in question was situated to suggest it was a readily mobile vehicle.

The Court held that the motor home was subject to the automobile exception (readily mobile and reduced expectation of privacy given its location and characteristics), so the warrantless search was permissible.