> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://penal.alliant.gg/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://penal.alliant.gg/legal-doctrines/plain-view-doctrine.md).

# Plain View Doctrine

The Plain View Doctrine grants both State Law Enforcement Officers, as well as Federal Agents, the ability to seize contraband that is found in plain view of an observation.

The Plain View doctrine would not be a violation of the 4th Amendment, rather an exception.

Example A:Airport Police Officer seizes cocaine from a passenger’s bag, as it was detected during the x-ray security screening process.

Example B: Officer seized a baggie of weed hanging out of an individuals pocket, clearly in plain view.
