Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution
/ˈfɔrθ əˈmɛndmənt tə ðə juːˈnaɪtɪd steɪts ˌkɑnstɪˈtuʃən/
Definitions
- (n.) An amendment to the U.S. Constitution protecting citizens against unreasonable searches and seizures and requiring any warrant to be judicially sanctioned and supported by probable cause.
The Fourth Amendment requires law enforcement to obtain a warrant before conducting a search in most cases.
- (n.) The constitutional basis for privacy rights and limitations on government surveillance in the United States.
Courts often invoke the Fourth Amendment when evaluating the legality of electronic surveillance.
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- fourth amendment to the united states constitution
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Commentary
The Fourth Amendment is foundational in criminal procedure and privacy law; its application often hinges on balancing governmental interests against individuals' privacy rights.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.