Question

Define the plain view doctrine. In detail, provide examples of places and items that can and cannot be seized.

Answer 1

According to the plain view doctrine; police officers have the authority to search or seize items; what they see in plain view during the course of a lawful search even if they have not secured a warrant in advance for those items as long as they comply with certain requirements. Thus all objects seen in plain sight during a normal observation are sizeable. For example, the plain view doctrine is used while screenings of passengers at U.S. airports by TSA officers, working for the federal government. Thus all items are seizable that are in plain view, with no exception.