Learn
Fourth Amendment and privacy
← Back to Bill of Rights topics← Back to LearnA civics adventure written for readers of all ages.
Start with a question
What counts as a reasonable search in a digital world?
In brief
The Fourth Amendment protects people from unreasonable searches and seizures, usually requiring a warrant based on probable cause.
Why this matters
Courts apply the Fourth Amendment to homes, cars, and digital data. Exceptions exist for consent, emergencies, and certain school settings. New technology—phones, location data, cloud storage—has led courts to set modern limits to keep privacy meaningful.
A simple example
A school official needs reasonable suspicion to search a backpack, but searching a phone’s contents often requires more justification.
Questions to think about
- Why does privacy matter for freedom?
- How should the Fourth Amendment apply to apps and cloud files?
- When is a search reasonable without a warrant?
Try this
List items in a backpack, locker, and phone. Debate which need more protection and why.
One thing to take away
Give one example of when a warrant is usually required.
Story bridge
Story bridge
A rumor spreads because of a screenshot. How would privacy rules change how the characters respond?
Keep exploring
See how readers feel or grab your copy next.
For educators and group orders visit /educators.