Question

What are four situations when a search can be conducted without a search warrant?

A) When a law enforcement officer feels like conducting a search.
B) When there is probable cause to believe evidence of a crime is present.
C) When the property owner consents to the search.
D) When a search warrant is readily available but not yet obtained.
E) When the search is conducted solely based on an anonymous tip.
F) When conducting a search on a public street or in plain view of the public.

Answer 1

Searches without a search warrant can be lawfully conducted when there is probable cause, with the owner's consent, if something is in plain view, or due to exigent circumstances. Searches based on whims, anonymous tips, or without obtaining a warrant when one is available are generally not lawful.

Step-by-step explanation:

There are specific situations where law enforcement can conduct searches without a search warrant. These include:

• When there is probable cause to believe evidence of a crime is present (B).
• When the property owner consents to the search (C).
• When conducting a search on a public street or in plain view of the public (F).
• When there is an exigent circumstance, such as a reasonable expectation that evidence may be destroyed before a warrant can be obtained.

It's important to note that not all searches conducted without a warrant are lawful. A law enforcement officer cannot conduct a search whenever they feel like it (A), and searches based solely on an anonymous tip (E) or without the necessary legal procedures (when there is a warrant available but not yet obtained, D) generally require a warrant unless other extenuating circumstances exist.