Amendment IV: Searches, Seizures, and Safety

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.

This amendment, which is of particular importance in this day of policing, protects the rights of citizens, giving more power to "the people". There is also some interesting controversy related to this amendment, specifically when it comes to "Probably Cause" and the Supreme Court case of Weeks v US (1914). In this case, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the defendant who's property (which was condemning evidence) was seized without a warrant. This evidence was ruled inadmissible in a court of law, creating what would be know as the Exclusionary Rule. Now, no evidence taken in violation of the 4th amendment can be used in a criminal trial. This loophole can be exploited by criminals to walk, where in other circumstances, they would be jailed. However, as Benjamin Franklin so aptly put it, “Anyone who trades liberty for security deserves neither liberty nor security.” In this particular political climate, we must remember this and not allow the government to hold what, in other times, would be considered unconstitutional and dangerous power.

A poignant reminder that some government organizations do not subscribe to our Constitutional rights.

Speaking of which... if you're reading this Mr. NSA agent, don't call me... I'm not into booty calls.

For information about the framing of this amendment, click here.