Which case involved the concept of "Plain View Seizures"?

The concept of "Plain View Seizures" is best illustrated in the case of Horton v. California. In this case, the U.S. Supreme Court addressed the legal principle that allows law enforcement officers to seize evidence of a crime without a warrant if it is in plain view during a lawful observation. This means that if an officer is in a position where they are legally allowed to be and they see evidence of a crime, they can seize that evidence without needing a warrant.

The ruling clarified that for the plain view doctrine to apply, the initial intrusion by the police must be lawful, and the incriminating nature of the item must also be immediately apparent to the officer. This principle allows officers to act quickly in order to prevent the destruction of evidence or secure a crime scene without waiting for a warrant, provided that they are not conducting an unlawful search.

Understanding this principle is crucial for law enforcement professionals as it defines the boundaries within which officers can operate while respecting constitutional rights.