Which case clarified the extent of consent given by co-occupants for police searches?

The case of United States v. Matlock is significant because it clarified the legal boundaries concerning consent for searches by law enforcement when multiple individuals occupy a space. The Supreme Court held that a co-tenant has the authority to give valid consent to search common areas, even in the absence of other co-tenants. This case established that consent from one occupant can allow police to conduct a search without requiring the consent of others, provided that the officer reasonably believes that the consenting party has joint authority over the area to be searched.

In this context, the ruling emphasizes the importance of apparent authority in determining the validity of consent given by an individual in a shared living arrangement. Understanding this case is crucial for law enforcement officers when assessing situations involving multiple occupants, as it helps to navigate issues of consent and individual rights during searches.

The other cases focus on different legal principles, such as the scope of vehicle searches or the standards for determining probable cause, which do not directly pertain to co-occupant consent for searches.