What does the Fourth Amendment primarily protect against?

The Fourth Amendment primarily protects individuals from unreasonable searches and seizures by the government. This means that law enforcement must have probable cause and, in most cases, a warrant to search a person's property or seize their belongings. The purpose of this amendment is to ensure a right to privacy and to safeguard against arbitrary governmental intrusion into people's lives.

Understanding this principle is crucial for a Corrections Peace Officer, as it emphasizes the importance of lawful procedures when dealing with searches and seizures in the line of duty. The requirements for warrants, probable cause, and expectations of privacy all stem from this foundational element of American law.

In contrast, the other options address different protections under the Constitution: self-incrimination is protected by the Fifth Amendment, excessive fines are addressed by the Eighth Amendment, and protection against double jeopardy is also found in the Fifth Amendment. Each of these amendments serves a unique purpose within the framework of American legal rights, but the Fourth Amendment distinctly focuses on the protection against unreasonable searches and seizures.