The Impact of Digital Technology on the Application of Plain View Doctrine and Implications for Law Enforcement

Academic Paper from the year 2022 in the subject Law - Civil / Private, Trade, Anti Trust Law, Business Law, grade: 93.6, Free University of Berlin (Business Administration and Management), course: Business Management, Marketing, language: English, abstract: The integration of digital technology into vehicles has revolutionized law enforcement practices, particularly in evidence collection and surveillance. This paper examines the impact of digital technologies such as in-car cameras, GPS, and telematics on the application of the plain view doctrine and its implications for law enforcement. By analyzing scholarly literature and legal precedents, the paper explores how digital technologies have enhanced evidence collection and surveillance capabilities while also raising concerns about privacy rights and the admissibility of digital evidence in court.Additionally, the paper discusses the historical context and legal framework of the plain view doctrine, highlighting its evolution and application in the digital age. Ultimately, this study underscores the need for a nuanced approach to the application of the plain view doctrine in the context of digital technology, balancing law enforcement objectives with individual privacy rights and constitutional protections.