William O. Douglas

“ Whilst in the mail, they can only be opened and examined under like warrant, issued upon similar oath or affirmation, particularly describing the thing to be seized, as is required when papers are subjected to search in one's own household. No law of Congress can place in the hands of officials connected with the postal service any authority to invade the secrecy of letters and such sealed packages in the mail ”

“ It has long been held that first-class mail such as letters and sealed packages subject to letter postage-as distinguished from newspapers, magazines, pamphlets, and other printed matter-is free from inspection by postal authorities, except in the manner provided by the Fourth Amendment. ”

“ Vernon and Seattle-a 29-hour delay between the mailings and the service of the warrant cannot be said to be 'unreasonable' within the meaning of the Fourth Amendment. Detention for this limited time was, indeed, the prudent act rather than letting the packages enter the mails and then, in case the initial suspicions were confirmed, trying to locate them en route and enlisting the help of distant federal officials in serving the warrant. ”