USC 4th Amd

The Fourth Amendment protects people in the United States from unreasonable searches and seizures by the government. In practice, this means: Law enforcement generally must have probable cause before conducting a search or seizure. In most cases, they must also obtain a warrant issued by a judge. That warrant must specifically describe the place to be searched and the items or individuals to be seized. The amendment forms the foundation for modern rules on search warrants, stop‑and‑frisk, surveillance, privacy rights, and protections against arbitrary arrests. These protections reflect the long‑standing principle that a person’s home and personal effects should be secure from government intrusion.