Terry v. Ohio · ¶56

“The requirement of probable cause has roots that are deep in our history. The general warrant, in which the name of the person to be arrested was left blank, and the writs of assistance, against which James Otis inveighed, both perpetuated the oppressive practice of allowing the police to arrest and search on suspicion. Police control took the place of judicial control, since no showing of 'probable cause’ before a magistrate was required.

U. S. Reports, bound volume
U. S. Reports, volume 392, at 1 (Library of Congress) · transcription: Caselaw Access Project
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