Which Amendment prohibits unreasonable searches and seizures and requires probable cause for warrants?

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

Answer: (B)

The protection against unreasonable searches and seizures and the requirement that warrants be issued only with probable cause come from the Fourth Amendment. This amendment was established to guard individuals’ privacy and limit government intrusion, outlining that searches must be reasonable and that warrants need probable cause and must describe the place to be searched and the items to be seized. It also recognizes that there are situations where a warrant isn’t needed, such as when there is consent, exigent circumstances, search incident to a lawful arrest, or certain automobile searches.

The other listed amendments cover different rights: the First Amendment protects freedoms of expression and religion; the Fifth covers due process and protections against self-incrimination; the Sixth guarantees rights to counsel and a fair trial. None of these address searches and warrants the way the Fourth Amendment does.