What are the three main ways to search a person legally?

The three main ways to search a person legally encompass situations where there are defined protocols that respect individual rights while maintaining law enforcement's authority. The correct answer highlights three fundamental legal principles: searches that are incident to a lawful custodial arrest, searches conducted with the consent of the individual, and searches executed with a valid search warrant.

When law enforcement officers arrest someone lawfully, they have the right to conduct a search of that person and the immediate area within their control without a warrant. This practice ensures officer safety and preserves evidence while respecting the legal parameters set by the Fourth Amendment.

Consent is another vital avenue, as individuals can grant permission for law enforcement to conduct searches. This respects the principle that citizens can voluntarily relinquish their rights when they choose to allow officers into their space.

Moreover, a search warrant is a critical instrument in the law enforcement toolkit, as it provides judicial oversight and authorizes officers to search specific locations or persons based on probable cause. This requirement serves to protect individuals from unreasonable searches and aligns with constitutional safeguards.

Options like searching by request or under common law lack the structured legal basis that upholds constitutional protections. Therefore, the choice focusing on custodial search, consent, and warrants accurately reflects the established legal frameworks governing searches.