Which of the following is an exception to the search warrant requirement?

In criminal law, certain circumstances allow law enforcement to conduct searches without a warrant. Exigent circumstances refer to situations where there is an immediate need to act, such as preventing the destruction of evidence, protecting the safety of individuals, or apprehending a suspect. These situations require prompt action that cannot wait for a warrant, justifying a warrantless search.

Search incident to arrest is another exception. This principle allows officers to search a person and the immediate surrounding area when they make an arrest. The rationale is to ensure officer safety, prevent the destruction of evidence, and maintain the integrity of the evidence during an arrest situation.

Both exigent circumstances and search incident to arrest are recognized legal doctrines that provide law enforcement with the authority to conduct searches without a warrant when specific and pressing needs arise. Therefore, both of these exceptions justify warrantless searches under the right conditions, making the answer that includes both these circumstances the correct choice.