Supreme Court of Ohio Issues Landmark Ruling on Digital Privacy Rights, Setting National Precedent
COLUMBUS, Ohio — In a decision delivered today, the Supreme Court of Ohio unanimously ruled that law enforcement must obtain a warrant before accessing the content of personal digital devices during routine traffic stops, marking a significant expansion of privacy protections under the state constitution. The case, State v. Miller, originated from a 2022 incident in Cuyahoga County, where a driver's smartphone was searched without consent after a minor violation. The Court determined that the search violated Article I, Section 14 of the Ohio Constitution, which guards against unreasonable searches and seizures. Justice Sharon L. Kennedy, writing for the majority, stated that "the digital age demands a parallel evolution in constitutional safeguards." Legal analysts predict this ruling will influence similar debates in other states, as it distinguishes Ohio's stance from federal precedents that allow broader warrantless searches. The decision takes effect immediately, prompting agencies statewide to revise protocols.