In which case was the right to search the immediate area of control established?

The establishment of the right to search the immediate area of control is rooted in the decision of Chimel v. California. In this case, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that, during the course of a lawful arrest, police officers are permitted to search the person being arrested and the area within their immediate control. This includes any areas from which the arrested individual might gain possession of a weapon or destructible evidence. The court emphasized that this principle is vital for officer safety and the preservation of evidence during an arrest.

This ruling has had a significant impact on police procedures, clarifying the scope of searches incident to arrest in a way that balances law enforcement interests with individual constitutional rights. The significance of this case lies in the legal precedent it established for searches in the context of arrests, making it clear that officers have the authority to secure immediate areas to ensure their safety and the integrity of the evidence related to the arrest.