What is the primary purpose of the Fourth Amendment?

The primary purpose of the Fourth Amendment is to protect individuals from unreasonable searches and seizures. This amendment establishes a legal framework that requires law enforcement to have probable cause and, in most cases, a warrant before conducting searches or seizing property. The intent behind this protection is to safeguard personal privacy and uphold the principle that individuals should have autonomy over their own possessions and spaces unless there is a compelling justification for police intervention.

While the Fourth Amendment does contribute to limiting government power in the sense that it restrains law enforcement actions, its specific focus is on safeguarding citizens' rights against government intrusion. Other choices relate to different amendments or rights; for example, the right to a fair trial is primarily guaranteed by the Sixth Amendment, and freedom of speech falls under the First Amendment. Thus, the emphasis of the Fourth Amendment is distinctly on the protection from unreasonable searches and seizures, ensuring that individuals feel secure in their belongings and residences from arbitrary government interference.