In legal terms, what does "search and seizure" refer to?

"Search and seizure" primarily refers to the legal processes by which law enforcement agencies search an individual's property and take possession of evidence related to a crime. The concept is grounded in the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which protects citizens against unreasonable searches and seizures.

Option C accurately captures this idea by highlighting the importance of "proper cause," which means that law enforcement must have probable cause and, generally, a warrant issued by a judge to conduct such searches. This ensures that individuals' privacy rights are respected and that law enforcement actions are justified and lawful.

In contrast, options that reference searching without a warrant or simply confiscating illegal goods miss the critical requirement of legal justification typically mandated for searches. The rights of a person under arrest, while related to searches and legal procedures, do not directly define what "search and seizure" means in a legal context. Thus, option C is the most accurate and relevant choice regarding the definition of "search and seizure."