Under Arizona v. Gant, the passenger compartment of a vehicle may be searched incident to a recent occupant's arrest only if the arrestee is within reaching distance or it is reasonable to believe the vehicle contains evidence. Which option best reflects the rule?

Under Arizona v. Gant, the passenger compartment of a vehicle may be searched incident to a recent occupant's arrest only if the arrestee is within reaching distance or it is reasonable to believe the vehicle contains evidence. Which option best reflects the rule?

• A. Both conditions must be met
• B. Either condition suffices
• C. Only one condition is allowed
• D. Never allowed

Answer: (B)

Under Arizona v. Gant, the permit to search a vehicle incident to an arrest is tied to two independent scenarios: either the arrestee is within reaching distance of the vehicle, or there is a reasonable belief that the vehicle contains evidence of the offense for which the arrest was made. This setup reflects two separate justifications for a search—protecting officer safety and preventing the destruction of evidence—and either one, on its own, justifies a search of the passenger compartment. Therefore, the best answer is that either condition suffices. If the arrestee can reach the vehicle, a search is allowed; alternatively, if there is probable cause to believe evidence is inside, a search is also allowed even if the arrestee isn’t within reach. The other options would misstate the rule by requiring both conditions to be met, or by denying the allowance altogether.

Under Arizona v. Gant, the permit to search a vehicle incident to an arrest is tied to two independent scenarios: either the arrestee is within reaching distance of the vehicle, or there is a reasonable belief that the vehicle contains evidence of the offense for which the arrest was made. This setup reflects two separate justifications for a search—protecting officer safety and preventing the destruction of evidence—and either one, on its own, justifies a search of the passenger compartment. Therefore, the best answer is that either condition suffices. If the arrestee can reach the vehicle, a search is allowed; alternatively, if there is probable cause to believe evidence is inside, a search is also allowed even if the arrestee isn’t within reach. The other options would misstate the rule by requiring both conditions to be met, or by denying the allowance altogether.