In which case did the Supreme Court decide that warrantless searches of homes are generally unconstitutional?

The Supreme Court established in Payton v. New York that warrantless searches of homes are generally unconstitutional. This landmark decision underscored the importance of the Fourth Amendment, which protects against unreasonable searches and seizures. In this case, the Court ruled that law enforcement officers cannot enter a person's home and search for evidence without a warrant, as such an action infringes upon an individual’s reasonable expectation of privacy in their own dwelling.

The ruling emphasizes the necessity of obtaining a search warrant based on probable cause before intruding into a private residence, reinforcing the notion that a person's home is their sanctuary where they should feel secure from government intrusion. The decision has had a lasting impact on the principles of search and seizure, setting a clear standard that protects citizens' rights against unwarranted governmental access and scrutiny.