warrant affidavit — commonsense standard

affidavits for search warrants, such as the one involved here, must be tested and interpreted by magistrates and courts in a commonsense and realistic fashion. They are normally drafted by nonlawyers in the midst and haste of a criminal investigation. Technical requirements of elaborate specificity once exacted under common law pleadings have no proper place in this area.

Defined by the Supreme Court in - United States v. Ventresca, 380 U.S. 102 (1965).