What is the general rule about searching public places?

The general rule about searching public places is that no reasonable expectation of privacy exists. This means that individuals in public spaces do not have the same privacy protections as they do in their own homes or private properties. This principle is grounded in the understanding that when people go into public areas, they are visible to others and can be observed by law enforcement without the need for a warrant.

This lack of a reasonable expectation of privacy allows law enforcement officers to conduct searches and observations in public places without the stringent requirements that apply to searches in private contexts. Essentially, individuals in public places have less control over who can see their actions or possess their belongings, leading to the understanding that they forfeit certain expectations of privacy once they are in these spaces.