Which amendment requires a warrant to be judicially sanctioned and supported by probable cause?

The Fourth Amendment is pivotal in protecting citizens against unreasonable searches and seizures. It explicitly requires law enforcement to obtain a warrant, which must be judicially sanctioned and supported by probable cause. This means that before a search or seizure can take place, law enforcement must demonstrate to a judge or magistrate that they have a valid reason—based on evidence—to believe that a crime has occurred or that evidence relevant to a crime is likely to be found in a specific location.

This requirement emphasizes the importance of privacy and the need for legal oversight in the process of obtaining personal information, ensuring that individuals are not subjected to arbitrary government actions. The Fourth Amendment serves as a foundational element of American civil liberties, reinforcing the principle that individuals have a right to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects.