Computer Search warrants

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A warrant is normally required to search a digital device. Under most circumstances, individuals have a reasonable expectation of privacy in the contents of their digital devices, such as cell phones, tablets, and computers. Therefore, the Fourth Amendment requires a law enforcement officer to obtain a search warrant to search such a device, unless an exception to the warrant requirement applies. The Supreme Court recently eliminated one important exception when it held that a digital device may not be searched incident to a suspect’s arrest. Thus, a search warrant will often be necessary to search a suspect’s digital devices.