Notable DUI Cases and Their Impact on Modern DUI Laws in Canada and the US

In the past, a driver's license was considered a privilege and not a right. The Bell vs. Burson allowed for a license to be a possession necessary for our livelihood. Therefore, it cannot be taken away without a due process.

Blanton vs. North Las Vegas

As for the case Blanton vs. North Las Vegas, the Court held a citizen only for serious offenses. Six months jail time or less counted as serious--which is why DUI falls under the more serious offense and often involves trials.

Rochin v. California

The Rochin v. California provides insight into the police's aggression during DUI arrest. A suspect accused of taking drugs to hide evidence ended up being hit by a policeman for the drugs to be thrown up. This contributes to the police arresting violently for a blood sample.

Pennsylvania vs. Muniz

The Pennsylvania vs. Muniz case allowed for a distinction between questions determining speech manner and what is actually said. There should be a distinction in handling responses and how it is interpreted.

Old Chief vs. United States

In terms of court room action, the case Old Chief vs. United States lets any prior convictions guarantees you another conviction. What occurred what evidence in a prior felony conviction, the defendant admitted to the prior felony to take away emphasis on the present crime.

In some states, the law prioritizes the 4th Amendment by banning DUI checkpoints. This arose from a 4th Amendment violation by sobriety checkpoints from the Michigan vs. Sitz case. The Court focused on the drink and drive problem, saying that the impact of DUI cannot be ignored and that the interruption of checkpoints is small.

Kumho Tire vs. Carmichae

For case testimonials, the Kumho Tire vs. Carmichae challenged the use of expert testimony. It was questioned if experts on other kinds of matters would hold up in court? What resulted was a decision that influences how different courts would limit expert testimony on non-scientific matters like interpretations of field sobriety tests.