How does the Fourth Amendment protect individuals?

The Fourth Amendment protects individuals by prohibiting illegal searches and seizures, which is vital for ensuring personal privacy and security against arbitrary governmental intrusion. This amendment establishes that law enforcement must have probable cause and, in many cases, a warrant issued by a judge to conduct searches or seize property. This requirement is intended to safeguard citizens' rights and prevent abuses of power, reflecting a fundamental principle of American law that favors the individual's right to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects. The protection granted by the Fourth Amendment is a cornerstone of civil liberties in the United States, ensuring that individuals are not subject to unreasonable searches by the government.