What do the rights protected by the Ninth Amendment refer to?

The rights protected by the Ninth Amendment refer specifically to unenumerated rights. The Ninth Amendment states that the enumeration of certain rights in the Constitution does not mean that other rights not specifically mentioned are not protected. This provision was included to emphasize that individuals have more rights than just those explicitly listed in the Constitution, thus safeguarding against the assumption that the only rights people have are those that are enumerated.

The focus on unenumerated rights highlights the framers' intention to ensure that the rights of individuals cannot be limited solely to those outlined in the document. This means that even though some rights are detailed, others still exist and deserve protection. By acknowledging these unenumerated rights, the Ninth Amendment plays a crucial role in the broader context of individual liberties and civil rights within the Constitution.