What is the primary purpose of the Aguilar-Spinelli two-pronged test?

The Aguilar-Spinelli two-pronged test serves as a critical framework in determining the reliability of informants in law enforcement contexts. This test emerged from two Supreme Court cases and has since been used to ensure that information provided by informants is credible and actionable.

The first prong requires that the informant's basis of knowledge is established; it assesses how the informant obtained the information they provided. The second prong evaluates the informant's veracity or reliability, which examines the informant's track record or the corroboration of their information by law enforcement.

By applying this test, law enforcement can avoid relying on unsubstantiated claims that may lead to violations of rights or wrongful actions. This method thus underscores the importance of ensuring that police action, particularly in obtaining warrants or making arrests based on informant information, is grounded in reliable and accurate information.