What is the legal principle of "exigent circumstances"?

The legal principle of "exigent circumstances" pertains to situations where law enforcement officers are permitted to enter a property without a warrant. This principle acknowledges that certain time-sensitive circumstances may require immediate action to prevent the imminent destruction of evidence, to prevent harm to individuals, or to facilitate the apprehension of a suspect.

For example, if officers are in pursuit of a suspect who they believe has entered a property and there is reason to think that waiting for a warrant could jeopardize the safety of people involved or lead to the loss of critical evidence, they are allowed to act without obtaining a warrant first.

This legal doctrine balances the need for police to perform their duties effectively in emergencies against the constitutional rights of individuals, ensuring that immediate response is justified under pressing circumstances.