What does the 4th Amendment protect individuals from?

The 4th Amendment of the United States Constitution specifically protects individuals from unreasonable searches and seizures by the government. This protection is crucial in maintaining the right to privacy and ensuring that law enforcement agencies do not overstep their bounds in conducting searches and collecting evidence. The amendment establishes that, in order to conduct a search, law enforcement typically must have probable cause and, in many cases, a warrant issued by a judge based on that probable cause.

This framework helps to prevent arbitrary or abusive actions by the government against individuals and promotes the value of personal security as a fundamental right. By requiring justification for searches, the 4th Amendment aims to create a balance between individual rights and the needs of law enforcement in maintaining public safety.

It's important to understand that while the other choices also relate to the rights of individuals within the legal system, they pertain to different amendments in the Constitution. For instance, double jeopardy pertains to the 5th Amendment, excessive bail relates to the 8th Amendment, and self-incrimination also aligns with the rights established in the 5th Amendment.