Katz v. United States

389 U.S. 347 (1967)

Facts

The government (P) thought that Katz (D) was transmitting by phone, from a public phone booth, information related to illegal gambling activities. Although no warrant was sought or received, officers intercepted and recorded D's side of the phone conversations with an electronic listening device attached to the outside of the booth. At trial, over D's objections, these recordings were introduced as evidence. D was convicted. The appellate court affirmed. D appealed.