https://ssd.eff.org/your-computer/govt/sita

This is an exception to SITA (Search Incident to Arrest)

Your cell phone may require a warrant but a search of your wallet in your back pocket does not, when your are arrested, with or without a warrant as the circumstances dictate (in the USA).

Quote:

?That is like saying a ride on horseback is materially indistinguishable from a flight to the moon,? the Supreme Court?s ruling reads. ?Modern cell phones, as a category, implicate privacy concerns far beyond those implicated by a cigarette pack, a wallet or a purse.? http://www.wired.com/2014/06/supreme...out-a-warrant/

Interesting that they would make that distinction. But then the police or the Feds need a warrant to search any computer if they want the evidence allowed in court ... So, the ruling makes sense in that light. Of course, they can arrest you and get a warrant by wire easily enough -- so the ruling just creates a waiting period or an obstacle -- like 20 minutes ...