What legal doctrine allows police to seize evidence without a warrant?

The Plain View Doctrine is the legal principle that allows law enforcement officers to seize evidence without a warrant when it is in plain sight during a lawful observation. This doctrine is grounded in the idea that if the officer is lawfully present at the location and they observe items that are immediately recognizable as evidence of a crime, they are permitted to take action without obtaining a warrant.

For instance, if an officer is executing a lawful search or is present in a public space and notices illegal drugs or weapons in plain view, they can seize those items because they did not have to engage in any intrusive measures to discover them. This doctrine is designed to prevent the hindrance of police work while still respecting individual rights against unreasonable searches and seizures.

The other concepts mentioned are related to lawful searches and evidence but address different legal standards and protections. The Fruit of the Poisonous Tree Doctrine prohibits use of evidence obtained through illegal searches, the Exclusionary Rule prevents the use of illegal evidence in court proceedings, and the Search Warrant Requirement underscores the necessity of a warrant for most searches, except in specific circumstances such as the Plain View Doctrine.