Pa. Supreme Court Protects Private Property in New Ruling 

Harrisburg, Pa., July 22, 2026 — In a 7–0 unanimous decision, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, in Punxsutawney Hunting Club v. Pennsylvania Game Commission, sided with Pennsylvania landowners and ruled against warrantless searches on open fields. 

Under previous case law, the open fields doctrine authorized unlawful searches of private property not immediately surrounding a private home. 

Research found that, before this recent ruling, “about 96% of all private land in the country, and over 90% of all private land in Pennsylvania, was previously exposed to warrantless searches and surveillance.” 

This decision now applies Fourth Amendment protections against searches and seizures to every square inch of private property, no matter the distance. 

The Commonwealth Foundation filed an amicus brief (pg. 32, 82) in support of the Punxsutawney and Pitch Pine hunting clubs and millions of other Pennsylvania landowners against state government overreach. The Foundation’s brief was cited in the majority opinion, released yesterday with the ruling. 

Megan Martin, COO and general counsel of the Commonwealth Foundation, issued the following statement in response: 

“This is a landmark victory for property rights in Pennsylvania. The court rightfully upheld the sanctity of private property ownership and privacy against government encroachment. 

“The court affirmed what Pennsylvanians knew all along: the government cannot sidestep constitutional safeguards. Private land does not mean public access. State government agents must obtain a warrant before stepping onto any privately owned land.  

“The Commonwealth Foundation is proud to stand up for millions of Pennsylvania landowners, who have a clear constitutional right to privacy on their own property. 

“Whether hunting, fishing, gardening, or lounging, every Pennsylvanian has a right to privacy when enjoying their private land.  

“Landowners across the commonwealth can rest easier knowing this decision reinforces Fourth Amendment protections across their entire property, guarding against government overreach.”

The Commonwealth Foundation, represented by Jonathan Goldstein of Goldstein Law Partners, filed an amicus brief on January 25th, 2024, with the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.