What are "search and seizure" rights?

"Search and seizure" rights are fundamental legal protections that safeguard individuals from unlawful interference by the government in their privacy and property. The Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution specifically outlines these rights, ensuring that a law enforcement officer cannot conduct searches of a person's home, possessions, or personal effects, nor can they seize property, without a warrant issued by a court based on probable cause.

This ensures that individuals have a legal framework to challenge any invasions of privacy or the wrongful confiscation of their belongings by law enforcement. It emphasizes the importance of judicial oversight in the enforcement of laws, promoting accountability and respecting individual freedoms.

The nature of "search and seizure" rights means they are designed to protect citizens from arbitrary governmental power, rather than granting the government broad access to conduct searches at will or without proper justification. Consequently, understanding these rights is essential for recognizing the balance between law enforcement duties and citizens' rights to privacy and property.