U.S. Court curbs power of police to seize cellphones from homes
Source: Reuters
AUGUST 18, 2017 / 2:49 PM / 23 MINUTES AGO
Jan Wolfe
(Reuters) - A U.S. appeals court said on Friday the widespread prevalence of mobile devices means that it is insufficient as a basis for obtaining a warrant to search someone's home for a cellphone.
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia's Circuit threw out a D.C. man's criminal conviction for unlawful possession of a fireman by a felon, saying in a 2-1 ruling that the police found the weapon only because they drafted an "overly broad" search warrant.
The warrant did not say police believed they would find a gun. Instead, it authorized officers to search for any cellphones and other electronic devices in the man's residence.
The warrant was unconstitutional because police had no particular reason to think the man owned a cellphone or that it would contain incriminating messages, the court said.
Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-court-warrants-idUSKCN1AY26H
= new reply since forum marked as read
But to have lawful possession of a fireman, you have to show proof of purchase and all the appropriate licensing. 
