Which term refers to evidence that is observable without further searching?

The term that refers to evidence that is observable without further searching is "plain sight." This concept is crucial in law enforcement and criminal justice as it allows officers to seize evidence that is clearly visible to them without needing to conduct a search. When evidence is in plain sight, it does not require a warrant for it to be legally obtained, as the officer is in a lawful position to observe it.

For instance, if an officer is on patrol and sees illegal items in a vehicle through an open window, they can take action based on what they see without conducting a deeper search. This principle is rooted in the Fourth Amendment, which protects against unreasonable searches and seizures, but allows for exceptions such as evidence that is clearly noticeable. This is important in ensuring that officers can do their jobs effectively while remaining compliant with legal standards.