MCOLES State Licensing Practice Exam

In People v. Freeman, what led to the suppression of evidence?

1. The officer legally requested ID

2. The driver was unlawfully ordered out of a parked vehicle

3. Evidence was obtained with consent

4. Witness testimony was lacking

The correct answer is: The driver was unlawfully ordered out of a parked vehicle

In People v. Freeman, the suppression of evidence stemmed from the unlawful order for the driver to exit a parked vehicle. When law enforcement officers approach a situation involving a parked vehicle, they must ensure that their actions comply with legal standards regarding search and seizure. If a driver is ordered out of a vehicle without a valid reason—such as reasonable suspicion of criminal activity or a legitimate safety concern—the resulting actions may be deemed unlawful, leading to the suppression of any evidence discovered during that encounter. The key aspect of this case revolves around the requirement for officers to have a lawful basis for their actions. When a suspect is ordered out of a properly parked vehicle without such a basis, any evidence obtained afterwards may not be admissible in court. This concept underscores the importance of protecting individuals' rights during encounters with law enforcement and adhering to constitutional protections against unreasonable searches and seizures.