The Fourth Amendment protects individuals against what?

The Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution is designed to protect individuals from unreasonable searches and seizures by the government. This means that law enforcement authorities generally need a warrant, based on probable cause, to conduct searches of personal property or to seize an individual’s belongings. This protection is foundational to the concept of privacy in the United States, reflecting the belief that individuals have the right to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects.

In contrast, the other choices pertain to different amendments and rights. Self-incrimination is protected under the Fifth Amendment, which provides individuals with the right not to testify against themselves in a criminal case. Excessive punishment falls under the Eighth Amendment, which prohibits cruel and unusual punishment. Restrictions on free speech relate to the First Amendment, which guarantees the freedom of speech, press, religion, assembly, and petition. Each of these rights is valid and important within the Bill of Rights, but only the Fourth Amendment deals specifically with unreasonable searches and seizures.