What did Chimel v. California establish?

• A. The area within the immediate control of the suspect may be searched incident to arrest.
• B. A separate residence search is required.
• C. Arrest warrants are unnecessary.
• D. Police may search any place with probable cause.

Answer: (A)

The key idea is that a search incident to a lawful arrest is limited to the arrestee’s immediate control to protect officers and preserve evidence. Chimel v. California allows a quick sweep of the person and the area the arrestee could reach—often described as within reach or within the arrestee’s immediate surroundings. This prevents a general rummage through the home while still letting officers secure weapons and prevent destruction of evidence.

Because of that limit, a separate residence search or a broad rule that permits searching any place with probable cause isn’t supported by this ruling. It also doesn’t say arrest warrants are unnecessary; it focuses specifically on the scope of searches incident to arrest.