Final answer:
According to the Fourth Amendment, before a search can be lawfully conducted, government officials must have probable cause, obtain a search warrant, and meet certain exceptions to the warrant requirement.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution sets forth the requirement that must be met before a search can be lawfully conducted. According to the Fourth Amendment, in order for a search to be legal, it must meet several criteria:
- Probable Cause: The government officials must have a reasonable belief that a crime has been committed or is about to be committed. This belief must be supported by specific facts and circumstances.
- Search Warrant: The officials must obtain a search warrant from a judge. The warrant must be based on probable cause and must describe with particularity the place to be searched and the items or persons to be seized.
- Exceptions: There are certain exceptions to the warrant requirement. These include situations where the owner or renter consents to the search, exigent circumstances exist, or the items in question are in plain view of government officials.