Fourth Amendment
Definition
The Fourth Amendment protects citizens from unreasonable searches and seizures without probable cause or warrant from authorities.
Analogy
The Fourth Amendment is like your home's front door. Just as someone needs your permission or a valid reason to enter your home, the government also needs a warrant or probable cause to search and seize your property.
Related terms
Probable Cause: A reasonable basis for believing that a crime may have been committed (for an arrest) or when evidence of the crime is present in the place to be searched (for a search).
Search Warrant: A legal document authorizing law enforcement officials to conduct a search of a person, location, or vehicle for evidence of a crime.
Exclusionary Rule: A law that prohibits the use of illegally obtained evidence in a criminal trial.
"Fourth Amendment" appears in:
Study guides (3)
Practice Questions (20+)
What happens when the police do not follow the rules set by the Fourth Amendment?
What does the Fourth Amendment protect against?
How does the Fourth Amendment safeguard citizens?
Which landmark court case incorporated Fourth Amendment’s protection against unlawful searches using Due Process Clause?
What does the Fourth Amendment protect against?
What does the Fourth Amendment protect citizens against?
What does the Fourth Amendment protect citizens from?
How does the Fourth Amendment's protection against unreasonable searches and seizures relate to the controversial NSA surveillance programs revealed in 2013?
How does the Fourth Amendment differ from the Fifth Amendment in terms of protecting citizens' rights?
How has the Fourth Amendment's protection against unreasonable searches and seizures influenced current privacy laws in the digital age?
In what way did historical context most impact crafting Fourth Amendment protections against unreasonable searches and seizures?
Why has the Fourth Amendment's safeguard against unreasonable searches and seizures remained relevant today?
How does the Fourth Amendment's protection against unreasonable searches align with recent surveillance legislation and court rulings?
How might rising concerns about privacy and data collection impact interpretations of the Fourth Amendment?
Which amendment has been more significant in expanding individual liberties - the First Amendment protecting freedom of speech or the Fourth Amendment prohibiting unreasonable searches?
How did ratification of the Fourth Amendment influence law enforcement practices?
Which trend can be observed about recent interpretations of Fourth Amendment protections against unreasonable searches?
How do First and Fourth Amendments differ when dealing with personal privacy?
How has the Fourth Amendment influenced contemporary policies regarding privacy and surveillance?
Which court ruling made possible for 'selective incorporation' against any unreasonable search or seizure under Fourth amendment ?
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