Under what case law can closed containers found in a trunk be legally searched?

The legal precedent for searching closed containers located in a trunk comes from the ruling in U.S. v. Ross. This case established that if law enforcement officers have probable cause to believe that a vehicle contains contraband, they are permitted to search not just the vehicle itself, but also any containers situated within it, regardless of whether those containers are locked or sealed. The rationale is that if an officer has probable cause to believe evidence of a crime is in the vehicle, they can search any area within that vehicle where the evidence may be found, including closed containers like suitcases or boxes in the trunk.

This ruling balances the privacy rights of individuals with the need for law enforcement to effectively address criminal activity. By allowing the search of closed containers in situations where probable cause exists, the courts recognize the practical realities of police work while also maintaining some level of protection for personal belongings assuming the probable cause requirement is met.