LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — The Arkansas Supreme Court says law enforcement officers acted in good faith when they searched a trailer at night because they thought children might be in danger.
In a 4-3 decision on Thursday, the court also said children's safety was not among the reasons why nighttime search warrants are supposed to be issued.
Still, the Supreme Court overturned a lower court's decision to suppress evidence the officers found when they searched a Jacksonville trailer. Authorities figured there were kids inside when officers found diapers in the trash, along with ingredients that are used to make methamphetamine.
Chief Justice Jim Hannah dissented in the case out of Pulaski County, as did Associate Justices Karen Baker and Robert Brown.
Hannah says the majority's decision unnecessarily changes the law on nighttime search warrants.
©2012 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
