What concept is established in the “Plain view doctrine”?

The concept established in the “Plain view doctrine” is that items visible from a lawful vantage point can be seized. This doctrine allows law enforcement officers to take possession of evidence without a warrant if they are in a location where they have the legal right to be, and the items in question are clearly visible.

For instance, if police officers are lawfully present at a location—such as during the execution of a warrant or during a lawful stop—and they see incriminating evidence in plain sight, they are permitted to seize it without obtaining a separate warrant. This doctrine balances the need for effective law enforcement with the protection of individual rights by ensuring that officers do not need to conduct extensive searches to collect evidence that is easily observable.

The other options provided do not accurately reflect the plain view doctrine's principles. While they mention elements related to evidence and warrants, they do not capture the essence of the plain view doctrine, which is rooted in the visibility and lawful presence of the officers.