Which doctrine allows police to seize evidence discovered during a lawful pat-down if it is immediately apparent?

• A. Plain View Doctrine
• B. Exclusionary Rule
• C. Plain Feel Doctrine
• D. Fruit of the Poisonous Tree

Answer: (C)

During a lawful pat-down to check for weapons, an officer may seize items if their incriminating nature is immediately apparent through the sense of touch. This is the Plain Feel Doctrine. The key is that the object must be identifiable as contraband without needing to manipulate or inspect it further; if the officer would have to squeeze, unwrap, or otherwise manipulate the object to know what it is, the seizure under this doctrine does not apply. This differs from the Plain View Doctrine, which covers objects observed in plain view during a lawful encounter, and from the Exclusionary Rule and Fruit of the Poisonous Tree, which concern whether evidence is admissible in court rather than the way it is seized.