What case law is associated with probable cause to search?

The case law associated with probable cause to search is Carroll v. United States. This landmark decision established the principle that law enforcement officers can search a vehicle without a warrant if they have probable cause to believe it contains contraband or evidence of a crime. The ruling is significant because it created an exception to the general requirement of obtaining a warrant before conducting a search. The inherent mobility of vehicles necessitated a different standard, allowing officers to act swiftly when they suspect illegal activity involving a vehicle. This principle continues to be a cornerstone in understanding search and seizure laws, particularly regarding automobiles.

In contrast, while the other cases listed also address aspects of search and seizure, they do not specifically establish the principle of probable cause in the same context as Carroll v. United States. For example, Florida v. Royer deals more with the issue of detention and the scope of investigative stops, Brinegar v. United States focuses on the definition of probable cause in the context of arrests rather than searches, and Wong Sun v. U.S. largely addresses the concept of fruit of the poisonous tree and unlawful arrests. Each of these cases contributes important insights, but Carroll v. United States is the definitive case for probable cause in searches.