The Fourth Amendment expressly states that warrants particul…

The Fourth Amendment expressly states that warrants particularly describe the “place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.” In some situations, however, the suspect’s name is not known. Then, a specific description of the suspect is sufficient and a “John Doe” warrant will be issued.

If the police only have a hunch that an item is in a place t…

If the police only have a hunch that an item is in a place to be searched, but do not include the item in the application for a warrant, the item can be seized under the doctrine of “plain view,” as long as the police are legally authorized (by obtaining a warrant) to be on the premises.