Amendments
Amendment IV
Constitution of the United States
Official text
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.
Proposed by Congress September 25, 1789. Ratified December 15, 1791.
In plain English
You have a right to be secure in your person, home, papers and belongings against unreasonable searches and seizures. A warrant may issue only on probable cause, backed by a sworn statement, and it must describe the specific place to be searched and the things or people to be seized.
The founders had lived under British "general warrants" and "writs of assistance" that let officers search anywhere for anything. The Fourth Amendment was written to end that practice.
Plain-English summary drafted by Christian Vote USA; editor review pending. Always read the official text above.
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Learn more
- The Fourth Amendment: Searches, Seizures and Warrants (The Bill of Rights)
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