Which amendment protects you from unreasonable searches and seizures?

• A. 4th Amendment
• B. Fifth Amendment
• C. Sixth Amendment
• D. Fourteenth Amendment

Answer: (A)

Protection against unreasonable searches and seizures is provided by the Fourth Amendment. It sets the standard that searches or seizures must be reasonable and, for a search, generally require a warrant based on probable cause. This creates a check on police power and protects personal privacy and property. There are recognized exceptions where a warrant isn’t needed, such as consent, searches incident to a lawful arrest, exigent circumstances, or plain view discoveries. The other amendments address different rights—self-incrimination and due process (Fifth), speedy and public trials with counsel (Sixth), and extending protections to the states (Fourteenth)—but the rule about unreasonable searches and seizures specifically comes from the Fourth Amendment.