The Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution protects individuals against unreasonable seizures and the use of excessive force by government agents.
October 23, 2025
high
legal_principle
General constitutional protection governing searches, seizures, and use of force in the United States.
The Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution (ratified December 15, 1791) protects individuals against unreasonable searches and seizures and constrains government use of excessive force by law enforcement.
December 15, 1791
high
legal
Foundational constitutional protection limiting government seizures and use of force.
The Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects against unreasonable searches and seizures, and warrantless searches of a suspect's personal effects (for example, a backpack) can be challenged as unlawful unless a recognized exception to the warrant requirement applies.
high
legal
Constitutional protection limiting law enforcement searches and the basis for suppression motions.