Which of the following is an example of a legal search?

A search after a lawful arrest is an example of a legal search because it falls under the "search incident to arrest" doctrine, which allows law enforcement to search an individual and the immediate area around them once they have made an arrest. This is done to ensure officer safety, prevent the destruction of evidence, and secure any contraband or weapons that might be present.

In this context, the legality of the search is founded on the premise that the arrest provides probable cause and a valid justification for the search. This type of search does not require a warrant since it is considered an exception to the warrant requirement based on the circumstances of the arrest. Consequently, this lawful search helps maintain safety and the integrity of the evidence involved in the arrest process.

Other examples, such as searching a home without a warrant or searching a vehicle without a valid basis, do not adhere to legal standards established by the Fourth Amendment and relevant case law, which protects against unreasonable searches and seizures. Only searching visible areas in public may not cover situations where a deeper intrusion into privacy or property might be required, possibly leading to overreach. Searching any vehicle at any time without cause or specific legal justification fails to respect the requirements for reasonable suspicion or probable cause.