What does the 4th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protect against?

The 4th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects individuals from unreasonable searches and seizures, establishing a fundamental right to privacy. This amendment requires law enforcement to have probable cause and, in most cases, a warrant issued by a judge before conducting searches or seizing property. The intention behind this protection is to safeguard citizens from arbitrary actions by government officials, ensuring that personal security is not compromised without proper justification.

Other options mention important legal protections but are not relevant to the 4th Amendment. Involuntary confessions relate to the 5th Amendment, which addresses self-incrimination and due process. Exceeding jurisdiction pertains to legal limits of authority, impacting the validity of actions taken by law enforcement but is not directly addressed by the 4th Amendment. Double jeopardy is covered by the 5th Amendment as well, which protects against being tried for the same crime twice. Understanding the specific protections offered by the 4th Amendment is essential for anyone studying criminal law and investigation practices.