Unreasonable searches and seizures

Definition

Unreasonable searches and seizures occur when government officials conduct a search of a person’s property or seize their possessions without having a valid warrant or sufficient cause to believe that evidence of a crime will be found. This practice is prohibited under the Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution, safeguarding individuals' privacy and freedom from arbitrary governmental intrusions.

Related terms

Fourth Amendment:

Protects citizens against unreasonable searches and seizures, requiring any warrant to be judicially sanctioned and supported by probable cause.

Probable Cause: A reasonable basis for believing that a crime may have been committed, which is necessary for obtaining a warrant to conduct searches or make arrests.

Warrant: A legal document issued by a judge or magistrate that authorizes police to conduct a search, seizure, or arrest based on evidence of probable cause