Final answer:
A search occurs when an expectation of privacy that society deems reasonable is infringed upon by the government.
Step-by-step explanation:
Search occurs when an expectation of privacy that society is prepared to consider reasonable is infringed upon by the government. The right to privacy is a fundamental aspect of civil liberty, crucial in defining the boundary between individual freedom and governmental authority. The expectation of privacy is not explicitly outlined in the United States Constitution; rather, it is derived from the Fourth Amendment, which guards against unreasonable searches and seizures, and the Fourteenth Amendment, which outlines due process and equal protection.
However, this right is not absolute and can be restricted when the government has a compelling reason to do so, often in the interest of national security or public safety. For instance, privacy in digital information has become a contentious issue with governments citing national security to justify access to personal data. Yet, individuals argue that their electronic privacy should be protected similarly to their physical property, invoking the requirement of probable cause and the need for a search warrant for any governmental intrusion.