Which case illustrates the limitations on police authority in searches?

Warden v. Hayden is a landmark case that demonstrates the limitations on police authority regarding searches. In this case, the Supreme Court addressed the issue of exigent circumstances and the Fourth Amendment's protection against unreasonable searches and seizures. The Court ruled that the police could enter a residence without a warrant if they had a reasonable belief that evidence was about to be destroyed or that it was necessary to prevent harm.

The significance of this case lies in its establishment of clear parameters around when police can conduct searches without a warrant. It emphasizes that although police have some authority to act quickly in certain situations to preserve evidence, that authority is not unlimited. The ruling underscores the need for a balance between effective law enforcement and the protection of individual rights, which is a crucial concept in constitutional law regarding searches.

This case illustrates that police actions must be justified under specific circumstances to avoid infringing on Fourth Amendment rights, thus serving as an essential precedent that guides law enforcement practices today.