MTA Constitutional Rights 2

Question 1

Under the 'plain view' doctrine, an officer may seize evidence without a warrant if:

Accepted Answer

The officer is lawfully present, the item is in plain view, and its incriminating nature is immediately apparent

Answer

Plain view requires lawful presence, an item in open view, and immediately apparent incriminating character.

Question 2

The Fifth Amendment protection against self-incrimination applies to:

Accepted Answer

Testimonial evidence only, not physical evidence such as DNA or fingerprints

Answer

The Fifth Amendment covers compelled testimonial or communicative evidence, not physical evidence like blood samples or fingerprints.

Question 3

A suspect invokes the right to counsel during custodial interrogation. Officers must:

Accepted Answer

Immediately cease questioning until an attorney is present

Answer

Per Edwards v. Arizona, once counsel is invoked, all interrogation must stop until an attorney is present.

Question 4

The 'automobile exception' to the warrant requirement allows police to search a vehicle without a warrant when:

Accepted Answer

There is probable cause to believe the vehicle contains evidence of a crime

Answer

The automobile exception requires probable cause; the vehicle's mobility creates exigent circumstances justifying a warrantless search.

Question 5

Which Supreme Court case established that evidence obtained in violation of the Fourth Amendment must be excluded from trial?

Accepted Answer

Mapp v. Ohio

Answer

Mapp v. Ohio (1961) applied the exclusionary rule to state courts, requiring suppression of illegally obtained evidence.

MTA - Police Exam Practice Test