Court won't hear ex-Duke lacrosse players rights' claim

The Supreme Court won't hear an appeal from three former Duke University lacrosse players who were ordered to submit DNA samples as part of an investigation into an exotic dancer's claims that she was raped at a party in March 2006.

Posted 3:30 p.m. Nov 12, 2013 — Updated 9:37 p.m. Nov 12, 2013

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Supreme Court won't hear an appeal from three former Duke University lacrosse players who were ordered to submit DNA samples as part of an investigation into an exotic dancer's claims that she was raped at a party in March 2006.

Ryan McFadyen, Matthew Wilson and Breck Archer wanted the court to say their constitutional rights were violated by Durham police when officers made them and 43 other members of the 2006 men's team give DNA samples and have their bodies examined in an attempt to find evidence to use against them.

The 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that police can use a significantly lower standard than "probable cause" to justify a court order compelling a search and DNA swabs.

The high court will not review that decision.

Three of their teammates – David Evans, Reade Seligmann and Collin Finnerty – were eventually arrested on rape and other charges stemming from the allegations.

North Carolina Attorney General Roy Cooper ultimately dismissed the case and declared the players innocent after finding that there was no credible evidence to support the charges.

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