327.

CAMARA VS MUNICIPAL COURT, 387 US 523

(Of Whatever Nature and for Any Purpose)
FACTS:
An inspector from the Department of Health entered a home to investigate
possible violations of a Citys housing code without a warrant. The inspector was
informed that the Appellant was using part of his leasehold as a personal residence.
The inspector confronted the Appellant and demanded to inspect the premises because
residential use was not allowed on the first floor of the apartment building. The
Appellant did not allow the inspector to enter because he did not have a warrant. A few
weeks later the inspector attempted again to gain access to the building but the private
respondent then again refused. A complaint was then filed against the Appellant for
violation of the Housing Code. His demurrer was denied and he filed a writ of
prohibition.
ISSUE:
Whether or not the inspector may enter the building without a search warrant.
HELD:
The court ruled that the inspector cannot obtain access to the building without first
securing a search warrant because under section 2 of the Bill of Rights states that
That right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects
against unreasonable searches and seizures of whatever nature and for any purpose
shall be in violable a mere information gathered from a person is not a reasonable
ground to enter the house of the appellant without a search warrant. The Court of
Appeals further rule that the right of inspection which is limited in scope and may not be
exercised under unreasonable condition.