The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated. The Fourth Amendment prevents the police from stopping you and searching your person, home, or car unless certain criteria are met.The Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution prohibits the federal government from conducting "unreasonable searches and seizures. Citizens may not be tried on the same set of facts twice and are protected from self-incrimination (the right to remain silent). In Washington, the amendment process must begin in the state legislature. The Fourth Amendment prohibits government officials from performing "unreasonable searches and seizures. The Fourth Amendment prohibits government officials from performing "unreasonable searches and seizures. In Washington, the amendment process must begin in the state legislature. NACDL strives to guarantee that evidence obtained in violation of the Fourth Amendment is excluded in a court of law. Amendment Four to the Constitution was ratified on December 15, 1791.