Which amendment protects citizens from unreasonable searches and seizures?

The Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution is designed to protect citizens from unreasonable searches and seizures. This amendment ensures that law enforcement must have probable cause and, in most cases, a warrant before searching an individual’s property or seizing their belongings. The intention behind this protection is to uphold the right to privacy and to prevent arbitrary governmental intrusions into people's lives.

Additionally, the Fourth Amendment establishes the requirement for warrants to be issued based on probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and must specifically describe the place to be searched and the items to be seized. This serves as an important foundation in balancing the need for law enforcement to perform their duties while respecting individuals' rights.