What does the Fourth Amendment protect individuals against?

The Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution is fundamentally concerned with protecting individuals’ rights to privacy and security in their persons, houses, papers, and effects. It ensures that citizens are free from unreasonable searches and seizures by the government. This means law enforcement must have probable cause and, in most cases, a warrant supported by an oath or affirmation to conduct a search or seize property.

The amendment addresses the importance of maintaining a balance between individual privacy rights and the public interest in preventing crime and administering justice. As such, any evidence obtained through a violation of the Fourth Amendment may be deemed inadmissible in court, reinforcing the protection it offers against government overreach.

The other options pertain to different constitutional protections and rights. Compulsory testimony aligns with the Fifth Amendment, excessive bail relates to the Eighth Amendment, and double jeopardy is covered under the Fifth Amendment as well. Each of these amendments serves a distinct purpose within the broader framework of rights established to protect individuals against various forms of governmental power.