The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated. Amendment Four to the Constitution was ratified on December 15, 1791.It protects the American people from unreasonable searches and seizures. The Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution protects people from unreasonable searches and seizures. The Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution prohibits the federal government from conducting "unreasonable searches and seizures. These protections are grounded in state law and the Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Fourth Amendment Searches and Seizures ; Amdt4.3 Scope of Protected Rights. Amdt4.3. 1Overview of Unreasonable Searches and Seizures ; Amdt4.4 Probable Cause. In general, most warrantless searches of private premises are prohibited under the Fourth Amendment, unless a specific exception applies. Witnesses may not be unreasonably detained.