Comparative Study of the Conceptualization and Evolution of the Notion of "Crime in Plain Sight" in Iranian and American Law
Keywords:
Crime in plain sight, judicial officer, public safety, Iran, United StatesAbstract
The comparative study of the conceptualization and evolution of the notion of "crime in plain sight" in Iranian and American legal systems addresses the definitions, laws, and practices related to offenses that are overtly and visibly committed in the presence of law enforcement officers or ordinary citizens. In Iranian law, a "crime in plain sight" refers to an offense that occurs in the presence of law enforcement agents or other individuals in such a manner that no preliminary investigation is required to prove its occurrence. Article 45 of Iran's Criminal Procedure Code addresses this issue and specifies the conditions necessary for identifying such crimes. A similar concept exists in American law. In this legal system, "crimes in plain sight" (In-Plain-View Doctrine) generally refer to cases in which police officers directly witness the commission of a crime or discover clear evidence of a criminal act without the need for a judicial warrant. This principle is considered within the framework of the Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution, which safeguards citizens against unlawful searches and seizures. The commonality between the two legal systems lies in the fact that crimes in plain sight do not require complex procedures for the initial collection of evidence, allowing law enforcement officers to take immediate necessary actions. However, there are also notable differences. For example, American law imposes more stringent restrictions and criteria to prevent potential misuse of this principle by law enforcement personnel. Overall, this article aims to conduct a comparative analysis of the conceptualization and development of the notion of "crime in plain sight" in Iranian and American law using a descriptive and analytical method. The study concludes that both legal systems emphasize the importance of maintaining public safety and responding swiftly to overt crimes. Nonetheless, differences in legal application and limitations reflect the distinct legal structures of the two countries.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Mohammad Saeli (Author); Samira Golkhandan; Akbar Rajabi (Author)
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