What does the 4th Amendment protect citizens against?

The Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution specifically protects citizens against unreasonable searches and seizures. It establishes the necessity for law enforcement to have probable cause, supported by an oath or affirmation, before seeking a warrant to conduct searches or seize property. This principle is crucial in safeguarding individual privacy and liberty, ensuring that people are not subjected to arbitrary intrusions by the government.

While unwarranted arrests and detentions, excessive fines and penalties, and surveillance without probable cause may also relate to individual rights, these issues are addressed under different amendments or legal statutes. The right against unreasonable searches and seizures is the primary focus of the Fourth Amendment, making it a fundamental protection in the context of search and seizure laws.