Legal Definitions - warrantless search

Definition: A search conducted without obtaining a proper warrant. Warrantless searches are permissible under exigent circumstances or when conducted incident to an arrest.

Examples:

• A police officer stops a person on the street and searches their pockets without a warrant because they have probable cause to believe the person is carrying drugs.
• During a traffic stop, a police officer searches the car without a warrant because they have probable cause to believe the driver is transporting illegal weapons.
• Police officers enter a home without a warrant to prevent a person from harming themselves or others.

These examples illustrate how a warrantless search can be conducted under certain circumstances, such as when there is probable cause or an emergency situation. However, the Fourth Amendment prohibits unreasonable searches, so the legality of a warrantless search will depend on the specific circumstances and whether it was conducted in a reasonable manner.