What happens if one spouse declines consent to search while the other agrees?

In situations where consent to search is being considered, the law recognizes the rights of individuals to privacy within their own homes. If one spouse declines consent while the other consents, the refusal of the one spouse creates a barrier to the search. This stems from the principle that a person has the authority to refuse consent to search in areas where they have a reasonable expectation of privacy, such as their dwelling.

The legal precedent supports the idea that a co-occupant cannot override a partner’s refusal to allow a search. Thus, even if one spouse agrees to the search, the unequivocal refusal of the other spouse means that law enforcement cannot proceed without violating that individual's rights. In essence, the protection of individual privacy rights takes precedence in this scenario, leading to the conclusion that the search is prohibited. This legal framework is designed to uphold the Fourth Amendment rights of all individuals within a residence.