According to our text, an officer with probable cause to search a car may inspect passengers' belongings found in the car that are capable of concealing the object of the search.

Answer 1

Yes, that statement aligns with legal principles regarding searches and probable cause in the context of vehicle searches. Generally, when law enforcement officers have probable cause to believe that a vehicle contains evidence of a crime, they are permitted to search the vehicle and any containers within it that could reasonably conceal the object of the search. This can extend to inspecting passengers' belongings if those belongings could potentially contain evidence related to the suspected criminal activity.

This principle is rooted in the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which protects against unreasonable searches and seizures. However, the scope of such searches can be complex and may involve nuanced legal interpretations, based on specific case law and circumstances surrounding each situation.

For detailed application and exceptions, it's always advised to consult the relevant case law or legal professionals who specialize in criminal law.