Which court case permits searches of containers in vehicles if there is probable cause of concealed evidence?

The correct answer is associated with the case of Wyoming v. Houghton, which established that law enforcement officers have the authority to search containers within a vehicle if there is probable cause to believe that the containers contain evidence of a crime. This case is significant in reinforcing the principle that the search of a vehicle, including its compartments and containers, is permissible under the Fourth Amendment when probable cause exists.

In Houghton, the court ruled that the search of personal items found in a vehicle can be justified if the officers have a reasonable belief that these items may contain evidence relevant to criminal activity. This decision emphasizes the balance between the need for effective law enforcement and the protection of individuals' constitutional rights against unreasonable searches.

The ruling thus supports the idea that if there is justification, such as probable cause, law enforcement can conduct searches that extend beyond just the immediate area of control of the occupants, allowing for a more comprehensive investigation. This principle is crucial for ensuring that officers can effectively gather evidence while still adhering to constitutional protections.