What does the Plain View doctrine allow a law enforcement officer to do?

The Plain View doctrine allows law enforcement officers to seize items that are readily apparent as evidence when they are in a position where they have the legal right to be. This means that if an officer is lawfully present and observes evidence of a crime that is immediately recognizable, they can take possession of that evidence without a warrant. The clarity of the evidence must be obvious; the officer shouldn't need to conduct any further investigation to determine its nature.

This principle is rooted in the Fourth Amendment, which protects against unreasonable searches and seizures. By enabling officers to act on evidence that is plainly visible, the doctrine balances the need for effective law enforcement with individuals’ rights to privacy. This is especially relevant in boarding scenarios, where officers may observe illegal items or activities during lawful interactions with vessels.