How does the Wisconsin Supreme Court define a search?

The Wisconsin Supreme Court defines a search as looking for contraband with the intent to charge. This definition emphasizes the legal perspective that a search is not merely about retrieving items or conducting a physical interaction, but it specifically involves an intention to find evidence that could lead to a criminal charge.

When law enforcement conducts a search, they must have a defined aim, typically tied to ascertaining the presence of illegal substances or items that could substantiate criminal activities. The intent behind the search is crucial; without the purpose of seeking contraband or evidence related to a crime, the activity may not meet the legal criteria to be considered a search under constitutional protections.

Other concepts, like retrieving items for evidence or discouraging unlawful behavior, may play roles in law enforcement but do not encapsulate the precise legal definition as outlined by the Supreme Court. Understanding this distinction is vital, particularly regarding legal standards such as probable cause and search warrants, which hinge on the intention to uncover contraband or criminal evidence.