What does the Fourth Amendment protect against?

The Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution specifically protects individuals against unreasonable searches and seizures conducted by the government. This means that law enforcement agencies must have probable cause and, in most cases, obtain a warrant from a judge to search private property or seize items. The framers of the Constitution included this protection to ensure that citizens would have a reasonable expectation of privacy in their persons, homes, and belongings, thereby safeguarding personal freedoms from arbitrary government intrusions.

The other choices represent protections found in different amendments. Double jeopardy is addressed in the Fifth Amendment, which prevents a person from being tried twice for the same crime. Self-incrimination also falls under the Fifth Amendment, allowing individuals to refuse to testify against themselves. Excessive bail is covered in the Eighth Amendment, which aims to protect individuals from overly high bail amounts that are not proportionate to the offense charged. Understanding the specific protections outlined in each amendment is crucial for recognizing the rights afforded to individuals under the Constitution.