Legal Definitions - dropsy testimony

Definition: Dropsy testimony is a slang term used to describe a police officer's false testimony that a fleeing suspect dropped an illegal substance that was then confiscated by the police and used as probable cause for arresting the suspect. This type of testimony is given when an arrest has been made without probable cause, as when illegal substances have been found through an improper search.

Example: A police officer stops a person on the street and searches them without probable cause. The officer finds drugs on the person and arrests them. In court, the officer testifies that the person dropped the drugs on the ground while running away, which gave the officer probable cause to make the arrest. This is an example of dropsy testimony.

This type of testimony is illegal and unethical because it is a lie told by a police officer to cover up an illegal search. It is important for the justice system to ensure that all evidence presented in court is obtained legally and truthfully.