Law Enforcement Clashes With Fifth Amendment in Smartphone Case

When may the government force someone to unlock a smartphone as part of an investigation? That’s the question the Indiana Supreme Court will tackle as oral arguments start today.

• ‘Contents of Her Mind': Katelin Seo refused to unlock her smartphone after law enforcement obtained a warrant compelling her to do so in connection with stalking charges against her. A lower court found Seo in contempt, but an appellate majority ruled in Seo’s favor after she argued that the phone would reveal the “contents of her mind”—an act that would violate her Fifth Amendment rights.

• Courts Split: Courts nationwide are ...