What does the Fourth Amendment protect against?

The Fourth Amendment protects individuals from unreasonable searches and seizures, which is a fundamental aspect of personal privacy and security. This protection ensures that law enforcement must have probable cause and, in many cases, a warrant to conduct searches or seize property. By requiring a standard of reasonableness, the Fourth Amendment serves as a safeguard against arbitrary government action, ensuring that citizens can live without undue interference from authorities in their personal lives.

Unreasonable arrests and unreasonable curfews do not fall directly under the purview of the Fourth Amendment but may involve other legal considerations. Unreasonable fines, likewise, are addressed through other amendments, such as the Eighth Amendment, which focuses on protection against excessive bail and cruel and unusual punishments. The precise terminology and provisions of the Fourth Amendment specifically highlight the rights pertaining to searches and seizures, clarifying its intended purpose in protecting individual privacy.