Plain View & Plain Feel - Mini Course

Plain view and plain feel are key tools for officers, but understanding exactly how they work—and when they apply—can make the difference between strong evidence and a suppressed case. This class breaks down the essentials of these doctrines so you can use them confidently and correctly.

In Plain View and Plain Feel, you’ll get a clear look at how these principles work, when they apply, and what mistakes to avoid. We’ll use examples and case law to show you how to put these tools to work in the field.

What You’ll Learn

• Understanding Plain View
  Learn what plain view means, how it works, and what legal requirements must be met to seize evidence lawfully.
  
  

• Open View vs. Plain View
  Know the difference between open view and plain view, and why that matters in your case.
  
  

• Cat out of the Bag Searches
  Learn the “cat out of the bag” concept, when it comes up, and how it affects evidence collection.
  
  

• Foregone Conclusion Doctrine
  Understand the “foregone conclusion” doctrine, how it applies to evidence collection, and how courts interpret it.

By the end of this class, you’ll know how to apply plain view and plain feel properly and avoid common mistakes that can weaken a case. You’ll be ready to handle these scenarios confidently and effectively.