GUILTY or NOT?

GUILTY or NOT? / Case library

The Airport Profile

United States v. Mendenhall (1980)

Charge: Possession of Heroin with Intent to Distribute Heard on GUILTY or NOT?: 18 June 2026

The facts

In the DEA office, an agent expressly told the Defendant she had the right to refuse a search of her person and bags before requesting consent. She said she understood and agreed. A female officer found two small packages of heroin concealed in her undergarments.

You have the facts the court had. Did the prosecution prove it? Render your verdict in the game, then see what the court actually decided — and why.

Citation: 446 U.S. 544 (1980)

Read the full decision at oyez.org. The source reveals the outcome.

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