Final answer:
The 4th Amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures, requiring authorities to have probable cause and a warrant. Evidence obtained from an unlawful search may be inadmissible in court.
Step-by-step explanation:
The 4th Amendment of the United States Constitution protects individuals against unreasonable searches and seizures. It requires that authorities have probable cause in order to conduct a search of a person's property. This means that they must have a valid reason, supported by facts and evidence, to believe that a crime has been committed or that there is evidence of a crime.
The 4th Amendment does not make it illegal for the police to search private property, but it sets limits on when and how they can do so. It requires that authorities obtain a search warrant, issued by a judge, based on probable cause, before searching someone's home. There are also certain exceptions to the warrant requirement, such as exigent circumstances or the consent of the owner.
If the police violate the 4th Amendment and conduct an unlawful search, any evidence obtained from that search may be deemed inadmissible in court. This is known as the exclusionary rule, which helps protect individuals' rights and encourages law enforcement to follow proper procedures.
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