Overview

• The Supreme Court heard oral arguments on a Montana case that could redefine when police may enter a home without a warrant during an alleged emergency.
• Several justices repeatedly cited Brigham City v. Stuart, signaling interest in reaffirming its “objectively reasonable basis” approach rather than adopting a new probable-cause rule.
• Some questioning suggested a potential remand directing Montana courts to apply Brigham City’s framework, leaving open whether that test is distinct from probable cause or reasonable suspicion.
• The dispute stems from a 2021 welfare check in Anaconda where officers waited about 40 minutes before entering, an officer shot William Case after seeing a dark object, and Case was later charged with assault on an officer.
• Justices raised nationwide implications for police and civil liberties, with concerns about disproportionate effects on marginalized groups, and a decision is expected by June 2026.