Olmstead+v+US

Docket No. 493
 * __Case Basics:__**

Petitioner Olmstead

Respondent United States

Decided By Taft Court (1925-1930)

Opinion 277 U.S. 438 (1928)

Argued Monday, February 20, 1928

Decided Monday, June 4, 1928

__**Background:**__ Roy Olmstead was suspected to be a bootlegger. Without judicial approval, federal agents installed wiretaps in the basement of Olmstead's building (where he maintained an office) and in the streets near his home. Olmstead was convicted with evidence obtained from the wiretaps. This case was decided along with Green v. United States, in which Green and several other defendants were similarly convicted, based on illegally obtained wire-tapped conversations, for conspiracy to violate the National Prohibition Act by importing, possessing, and selling illegal liquors. This case was also decided with McInnis v. United States.

The Court held that neither the Fourth nor Fifth Amendment rights of the recorded parties were violated. The use of wiretapped conversations as incriminating evidence did not violate their Fifth Amendment protection against self incrimination because they was not forcibly or illegally made to conduct those conversations. Instead, the conversations were voluntarily made between the parties and their associates.
 * __Conclusion:__**