What legal rationale allows police to enter a residence without a warrant while chasing a suspect?

The legal rationale that allows police to enter a residence without a warrant while chasing a suspect is known as "hot pursuit." This principle is rooted in the urgency and necessity of apprehending a suspect who is fleeing, thereby creating a situation where obtaining a warrant could lead to the loss of evidence or allow the suspect to evade arrest. The "hot pursuit" doctrine is designed to balance the need for law enforcement to perform their duties effectively with the rights of individuals, recognizing that immediate action may be required to ensure public safety and prevent a suspect from escaping.

In this context, the police are justified in entering a home without a warrant if they are in active pursuit of a suspect who has committed a crime and has fled into a residence. This allows them to maintain the integrity of the law and carry out their responsibilities without unnecessary delays.