What must a person demonstrate to have standing to object to a governmental search?

To have standing to object to a governmental search, an individual must demonstrate a reasonable expectation of privacy in the area or item that is being searched. This concept is grounded in the Fourth Amendment, which protects against unreasonable searches and seizures. The reasonable expectation of privacy means that the individual must have exhibited an actual (subjective) expectation of privacy and that this expectation is one that society recognizes as reasonable (objective).

For instance, if someone is using a private home or a locked container, they generally have a strong argument for a reasonable expectation of privacy. Conversely, if the search occurs in a public space where individuals do not typically have an expectation of privacy, such as the street or a public park, that standing is less likely to be established.

Ownership of the property searched may bolster an argument regarding expectation of privacy, but it is not a determinative factor by itself. A person could own property but still lack a reasonable expectation of privacy due to the circumstances (e.g., allowing friends to visit and use the property).

Witnesses to the search do not impact a person’s standing, as anyone can witness a governmental search without necessarily having standing themselves.

Thus, the core requirement for standing is the demonstration of a reasonable expectation of privacy, making it the