
unconstitutional search and seizure
Unconstitutional search and seizure refers to a violation of an individual's Fourth Amendment rights in the United States. This amendment protects citizens from unreasonable searches and seizures by the government. For a search to be lawful, law enforcement typically needs a warrant based on probable cause or must fall under specific exceptions, like consent or exigent circumstances. If evidence is obtained through an unconstitutional search, it may be deemed inadmissible in court, meaning it cannot be used against the individual in a legal proceeding. This principle helps to uphold personal privacy and protect against government overreach.