Legal Question in Constitutional Law in California

Privacy in the Home

How protected is a person in his/her own apartment from surveilance by

law enforcement and/or a landlord or nieghbor? How much does the

''reasonable expectation of privacy'' cover with regards to behavior

conducted inside ones personal residence?


Asked on 12/21/05, 3:37 am

3 Answers from Attorneys

Robert F. Cohen Law Office of Robert F. Cohen

Re: Privacy in the Home

Obviously, if law enforcement has a search warrant (or you're a suspected terrorist so no warrant is needed under the civil rights-evading USA PATRIOT Act) then you have no choice but to have your home searched. Otherwise, a nosy neighbor has no right to enter your home, and the landlord may only do so upon reasonable notice for inspection or if an emergency arises. Is there something more specific about which you are concerned?

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Answered on 12/21/05, 4:32 am
Michael Stone Law Offices of Michael B. Stone Toll Free 1-855-USE-MIKE

Re: Privacy in the Home

Your question implies you are up to something... Illicit activity can draw unwelcome attention in a number of ways. Meth labs and grow rooms generate odors or abnormally high electric bills. Drug dealers tend to have lots of visitors. Domestic arguments or heavy drinking can be noisy. And your internet activity is less private than you think. Get a tinfoil hat.

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Answered on 12/21/05, 10:29 am
Edward Hoffman Law Offices of Edward A. Hoffman

Re: Privacy in the Home

This is a good question, but a good answer would be much too long for this site to handle. I'd suggest going to a nearby library (if you live near a law library that would be ideal) and asking the librarians to help you find a useful primer on the subject.

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Answered on 12/21/05, 2:06 pm


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