History
The Plain View Doctrine and Its Limits
Quick fact
The plain view doctrine permits warrantless seizure of evidence only if the officer is lawfully present and it is 'immediately apparent' that the item is contraband or evidence. It does not allow the officer to move objects to see hidden items.
Why this is interesting
You spot a stolen bicycle chained to a fence on a public street. Can the police take it without a warrant? What if they see it through a window from the sidewalk?