Rochin v. California: What Shocks the Conscience

On July 1, 1949 three Los Angeles sheriff’s deputies received information that Rochin was selling narcotics from his mother-in-law’s home.  The officers went to the home and found an entry point open, so they entered the home.  They went to Rochin’s room and forced entry.  Once inside they saw Rochin sitting on the bed beside his wife who was lying down. There were two capsules on a night stand.  The officers asked who owned them.  Rochin grabbed the pills and swallowed them. All...
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