Which amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects individuals from unlawful search and seizure?

The Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution explicitly protects individuals from unreasonable searches and seizures. It establishes the requirement for law enforcement to have probable cause and, in most cases, a warrant issued by a judge before conducting searches of personal property or seizing items. This amendment is a key component of the Bill of Rights, emphasizing the importance of privacy and the security of individuals against arbitrary governmental interference.

In contrast, the First Amendment focuses on protecting freedoms such as speech, religion, and assembly; the Third Amendment relates to the quartering of soldiers; and the Sixth Amendment ensures rights related to criminal prosecutions, such as the right to a fair trial and legal counsel. Each of these amendments addresses different aspects of individual rights, but only the Fourth specifically addresses the issue of search and seizure, firmly establishing the principle of protection against unlawful invasion of personal privacy.