Birchfield v. North Dakota Oral Argument

The Supreme Court heard oral argument in Birchfield v. North Dakota, docket 14-1468. The case concerns whether, in the absence of a warrant,… read more

The Supreme Court heard oral argument in Birchfield v. North Dakota, docket 14-1468. The case concerns whether, in the absence of a warrant, a state may make it illegal for a driver to refuse to take a blood, breath, or urine alcohol test. This case involved three cases that were consolidated. Two of the challenges came from North Dakota and one from Minnesota. In those states, 10 other states, and the federal government, there is what’s called an “implied consent” law. Under it, if a police officer requests consent for such a test and the driver says no he or she can be charged with a crime.

On June 23, 2016, the court ruled that police must get a search warrant before requiring a suspected drunk driver to take a blood alcohol test, but not a warrant for a breath test. The court said that the refusal to take a blood alcohol test cannot result in criminal penalties, thus affecting the laws in 11 states currently criminalizing these refusals. Judgment: Reversed and remanded, 7-1. close

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Birchfield v. North Dakota Oral Argument

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Program ID:
408278-1
Category:
Public Affairs Event
Format:
Judicial Proceeding
Location:
Washington, District of Columbia, United States
First Aired:
Apr 25, 2016 | 11:31pm EDT | C-SPAN 2
Last Aired:
Aug 05, 2016 | 5:48pm EDT | C-SPAN 2

Airing Details

  • Apr 25, 2016 | 11:31pm EDT | C-SPAN 2
  • Apr 27, 2016 | 2:35am EDT | C-SPAN 1
  • Apr 27, 2016 | 8:55am EDT | C-SPAN 2
  • Apr 28, 2016 | 12:30pm EDT | C-SPAN 3
  • Jun 24, 2016 | 10:08pm EDT | C-SPAN 3
  • Jun 25, 2016 | 4:08am EDT | C-SPAN 3
  • Aug 05, 2016 | 5:48pm EDT | C-SPAN 2
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Birchfield v. North Dakota Oral Argument

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