How did the Court apply their holding in Belton when asked in Thornton v. United States to decide whether the police could search an individual’s vehicle when the individual had exited the vehicle before being approached by the police officer and placed under arrest?

Question

a. The Court held that Belton applied only to those situations where the individual was in the vehicle at the time the police officer made the initial contact and was subsequently placed under arrest.
b. The Court held that Belton applied to persons who had exited their vehicle prior to any contact with the police office and was subsequently placed under arrest.
c. The Court overturned Belton, holding that once the person is outside of the vehicle and under arrest there is little risk that the individual could access weapons or contraband that was inside the vehicle.
d. The Court modified Belton¸ permitting search of the passenger compartment of a vehicle only in those situations in which the car might contain evidence relevant to the crime for which the individual was arrested.

Answer 1

b. The Court held that Belton applied to persons who had exited their vehicle prior to any contact with the police office and was subsequently placed under arrest.