A few links from our class discussion on 10/1/24

We began with a discussion of warrantless searches and seizures. 

A student asked about whether an searches of one person can be approved by another. In certain cases they can.

We asked ChatGPT: Can a hotel authorize a search of its customers?

ChatGPT said:

Generally, hotels do not have the authority to conduct searches of their guests without consent, unless there's a specific legal reason or emergency situation. Hotels have a duty to provide privacy to their guests, and any search could be seen as an invasion of that privacy.

However, hotel staff may inspect rooms for maintenance or safety reasons, usually outlined in the hotel’s policies. If a guest is suspected of illegal activity, law enforcement may intervene, but that would require proper legal procedures, such as a warrant. Always check the hotel's policies or local laws for specific situations.

We also found information from the interest group that represents district and county attorneys in Texas.

- Texas District & County Attorneys Association.

- Warrantless search and seizure.