Does the plain view doctrine authorize a warrant less entry into a dwelling to seize contraband visible from outside the dwelling? Why or why not?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS-Chapter 10

1. Does the plain view doctrine authorize a warrant less entry into a dwelling to seize
contraband visible from outside the dwelling? Why or why not? What if an officer
observes contraband from the hallway of a motel through the open door to one of
the rooms? What if an officer observes contraband lying on the desk in someone’s
office?

2. May law enforcement officers take an item off the shelf in an antique store and
examine it to determine whether it is stolen? May officers do the same thing in a
private home into which they have been invited by a person who does not know
they are law enforcement officers?

3. Must a plain view seizure have to be inadvertent? Explain.

4. If officers are legitimately on premises, may they take photographs of objects they
suspect are stolen property? If so, under what authority?

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