Amendment IV (1791)

The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

The Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution serves as a crucial safeguard for individual privacy and liberty. Ratified on December 15, 1791, this amendment protects citizens from unreasonable searches and seizures by the government. Its guarantees require that law enforcement officials obtain a warrant based on probable cause before conducting any searches or seizures, ensuring that the intrusion on an individual's privacy is carefully justified. The Fourth Amendment not only reinforces fundamental principles of personal autonomy but also helps maintain a delicate balance between effective law enforcement and individual rights. Through its provisions, this amendment ensures that the American justice system operates within the boundaries of fairness and respect for the rights of its citizens.