United States v. White

401 U.S. 745 (1971)

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Nature of the Case

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Facts

Federal narcotics agents electronically overheard several conversations between a government informer, who was carrying a concealed radio transmitter, and White (D). The conversations took place in different places. Several of the conversations that took place in the informer's home were overheard electronically by an agent outside of the home, and by another agent concealed in the informer's kitchen closet with the informer's consent. At no time did the agents obtain a warrant or court order. The informer was not produced at trial, and the trial court heard testimony from the agents who overheard the conversations. Their testimony led to D's conviction for narcotics violations. The court of Appeals reversed, citing Katz v. United States as prohibiting testimony regarding electronically overheard statements. P appealed.