What do "search and seizure" laws aim to protect?

"Search and seizure" laws aim to protect the rights of individuals against arbitrary interference. These laws are primarily rooted in the Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution, which establishes that citizens have the right to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects against unreasonable searches and seizures. This protection is fundamental to ensuring that law enforcement do not infringe upon individual liberties without just cause or appropriate legal procedures, such as obtaining a warrant based on probable cause.

The focus on individual rights underscores the balance that must be maintained between the necessity of public safety and the protection of civil liberties. The intent is to prevent abuse of power by the government and to ensure that any search or seizure conducted is reasonable and justified, therefore upholding the rule of law and the rights of citizens.