The 4th Amendment
the right of search and seizure
What is the forth amendment?
The fourth amendment gives citizens the right to refuse unreasonable search and seizure. This extends to searches of homes, businesses, personal belongings, medical files etc. This amendment can apply in multiple settings, not just in cases dealing with police investigations. For example, drug tests are often seen as a violation of rights in many school districts, and the searching of personal items can be considered a violation of a students privacy if searched without a valid reason. A few cases dealing with the fourth amendment can be seen in the video below.
The 4th Amendment
The fourth amendment was passed by Congress on September 25, 1789. However, it was not ratified until December 15, 1791.
The 4th amendment
An edit showing the need for warrants
A cartoon showing that police need warrants or your consent to search you
Click on one of the following cases to learn more about the role of the fourth amendment plays in our government today
Weeks v. United States
Can police just search your home without your permission or a warrant?
New Jersey v. T.L.O.
Can schools search personal items?
Vernonia School District v. Acton
Do drug tests violate the 4th amendment?
Safford Unified School District v. Redding
Do strip searches violate the fourth amendment?