Which of the following best describes "plain view doctrine"?

The plain view doctrine allows law enforcement officers to seize evidence without a warrant if it is immediately apparent that the item is evidence of a crime and it is in plain sight. This legal principle is grounded in the idea that if an officer is lawfully present in a location, they can observe objects that are in plain view and take them without needing to obtain a warrant.

For example, if police are conducting a traffic stop and they see illegal drugs on the passenger seat, they can seize those drugs without a warrant because they are in plain sight and it is reasonable for the officer to conclude that they are related to criminal activity. This doctrine strikes a balance between individual rights and the needs of law enforcement by allowing the seizure of evidence that is not hidden or obstructed.

The other options involve processes that require additional legal procedures, such as obtaining a warrant, which is not applicable when dealing with items observable under the plain view doctrine.