Which constitutional amendment protects citizens from unreasonable searches and seizures?

The Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution is crucial in safeguarding citizens against unreasonable searches and seizures. It establishes that individuals have the right to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects. This amendment serves as a protection against arbitrary or intrusive actions by the government, ensuring that any search or seizure conducted by law enforcement is justified and based on probable cause.

In practical terms, the Fourth Amendment requires law enforcement officers to obtain a warrant, supported by probable cause, before conducting searches or seizing property, thus balancing the need for public safety with the individual's right to privacy. This fundamental right stands as a major pillar of civil liberties in the U.S. legal system.

The other amendments listed do not serve this particular purpose: the First Amendment focuses on freedom of speech and religion, the Third Amendment addresses the quartering of soldiers in private homes, and the Fifth Amendment includes rights related to due process and protection against self-incrimination. While all these amendments play significant roles in protecting individual rights, it is the Fourth Amendment specifically that addresses unreasonable searches and seizures.