Plain view doctrine

{
  "id": "MLC-T-LAW-003762",
  "term": "Plain view doctrine",
  "field": "Law",
  "definition": "A legal principle in criminal procedure permitting a law enforcement officer to seize evidence and contraband found in sight during a lawful observation. For the seizure to be valid without a warrant, the officer must be lawfully present at the location, the item's incriminating character must be immediately apparent, and the officer must have a lawful right of access to the object itself. This rule functions as a justification for warrantless seizures, not warrantless searches.",
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/law/plain-view-doctrine/"
}