Which Supreme Court case established the "Plainview doctrine" boundaries?

The "Plainview doctrine" refers to 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. The case that established the boundaries for this doctrine is Michigan v. Clifford.

In Michigan v. Clifford, the Supreme Court addressed the circumstances under which warrantless searches of private property are allowed, especially when officers are responding to an emergency. The Court ruled that for evidence observed in plain view to be admissible in court, the officer must have a legal right to be in the position to view the evidence, and it must be immediately apparent that what is seen is evidence of a crime.

The significance of this decision lies in the careful balance it strikes between the needs of law enforcement to conduct effective investigations and the Fourth Amendment protections against unreasonable searches and seizures. By setting clear boundaries, the ruling ensures that the rights of individuals are respected while allowing officers to perform their duties effectively. This decision is foundational in understanding how the "Plainview doctrine" operates in practical law enforcement scenarios.