AMENDMENT NO. 4

WHAT IS THE FOURTH AMENDMENT?

The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.c

WHY WAS IT IMPORTANT?

• I would say that one of the reasons the 4th Amendment is so important is that it is reflective of the Colonists' own experiences. The Colonists were outraged on many levels that British soldiers could enter their homes, seize their belongings, or search their property without any probable cause or authentic paperwork. The fact that warrant-less and groundless searches became so prevalent is one reason why the 4th Amendment strictly states that justification and authentication must accompany all searches and investigation of property and belongings.
• Basically they added it for privacy reasons; how would you feel if your privacy was invaded? What if someone just busted through your door and started to go through all of your stuff? I know I wouldn't be too happy...