border search doctrine

The border search doctrine refers to a legal principle allowing law enforcement to conduct searches without a warrant or probable cause at international borders, including airports and checkpoints. The rationale is that the government has a strong interest in protecting its borders from illegal activities, such as smuggling or terrorism. Due to this interest, the Fourth Amendment protections against unreasonable searches are viewed differently in these locations, permitting searches of people and their belongings to ensure safety and security without needing prior suspicion.