What does the Fourth Amendment protect against?

The Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution is specifically designed to protect individuals from unreasonable searches and seizures by the government. This means that law enforcement officials must have probable cause and, in most cases, a warrant before they can search an individual's property or seize their belongings. The intention behind this amendment is to ensure a level of privacy and security for citizens, guarding against arbitrary intrusions by authority figures.

The context of the other choices highlights that they pertain to different legal protections. For example, the right to a fair trial is addressed by the Sixth Amendment, protection against excessive fines is found in the Eighth Amendment, and the prohibition of involuntary servitude is covered under the Thirteenth Amendment. Each amendment safeguards a distinct aspect of individual rights, reinforcing the importance of the Fourth Amendment in maintaining the balance between security and personal freedom.