Supreme Court of Maryland Finds No Reasonable Suspicion to Stop Vehicle Based on Driver Touching or Manipulating a Cell Phone

In its recent opinion in State v. Stone, 2026 WL 202095 (Md. 2026), the Supreme Court of Maryland noted the following about the state’s Transportation Code:

TR § 21-1124.1(b) prohibits a person from writing, sending, or reading a text message or an electronic message on a text messaging device while operating a motor vehicle in the travel portion of the roadway. The statute, however, permits a driver to use a global positioning system (GPS) or a text messaging device

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What level of suspicion do police need to enter a home without a search warrant for an arrest?

What level of suspicion do police need to enter a home without a search warrant for an arrest?

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The Petitions of the Week column highlights a selection of cert petitions recently filed in the Supreme Court. A list of all petitions we’re watching is available here.

It is unconstitutional for police to enter a home without a warrant to arrest someone if they do not have “reason to believe” the suspect is in the home. This week, we highlight cert petitions that ask the court to consider, among other things, whether that standard is equal to … Read the rest