What does the Fourth Amendment protect individuals against?

The Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution is primarily focused on protecting individuals from unreasonable searches and seizures by the government. This protection requires law enforcement to have probable cause and, in most cases, a warrant to conduct searches or seize property. The intent behind this amendment is to ensure a reasonable expectation of privacy for individuals, allowing them to feel secure in their homes, papers, and personal effects against arbitrary governmental intrusion.

Understanding this context helps clarify the significance of this protection in maintaining personal liberties and preventing abusive law enforcement practices. The other options, while also important legal concepts, do not fall under the scope of the Fourth Amendment. For example, excessive bail pertains to the Eighth Amendment, hate speech is generally protected under the First Amendment unless it incites violence, and double jeopardy is addressed by the Fifth Amendment. Therefore, the accurate focus of the Fourth Amendment is its explicit safeguarding against unreasonable searches and seizures.