Which amendment guarantees freedom from unreasonable search and seizures?

The Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution specifically protects individuals from unreasonable searches and seizures by the government. This amendment establishes that law enforcement must have probable cause and, in most cases, obtain a warrant before conducting searches of a person's property or seizing their belongings. The intent is to provide a safeguard for personal privacy and maintain the right to be secure in one's person, houses, papers, and effects.

By ensuring that individuals have assured protections against arbitrary invasions by the state, the Fourth Amendment plays a crucial role in the balance of power between law enforcement and citizens' rights. This fundamental protection is a core principle of American law, reflecting the historical concerns about governmental overreach and preserving individual freedoms.