Which amendment protects against unlawful searches and seizures?

• A. First Amendment
• B. Fourth Amendment
• C. Fifth Amendment
• D. Eighth Amendment

Answer: (B)

Protection against unlawful searches and seizures by the government comes from the Fourth Amendment. It guards privacy by generally requiring that authorities have a valid reason to search a person or their property, typically needing probable cause and a warrant that specifically describes what will be searched and what will be seized. There are important exceptions, such as consent, exigent circumstances, searches incident to a lawful arrest, or searches based on the plain view of contraband. These rules balance individual privacy with the government’s need to enforce the law, preventing arbitrary intrusions. The other amendments protect different rights: the First covers freedoms like speech and religion, the Fifth addresses due process and protection against self-incrimination, and the Eighth prohibits cruel and unusual punishment.