Essay On 4th Amendment

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The Fourth Amendment protects persons from unreasonable searches and seizures (including arrests). Under most circumstances, it requires that a judge issue a search warrant authorizing law officers to search for and seize evidence of criminal activity, but the warrant can be issued only when there is probable cause. In 1914, the Supreme Court adopted the exclusionary rule, which barred evidence seized illegally from being used in a criminal trial; in 1961, the rule was made applicable to the states. Subsequent Supreme Court decisions have narrowed the application of the exclusionary rule. The Fourth Amendment also protects persons from warrantless searches and seizures in places where they have a legitimate right to expect privacy. The protection, however, does not …show more content…
Arizona. According to Miranda, police custody is threatening and confessions obtained during custody can be admitted into evidence only if suspects have been (1) advised of their constitutional right to remain silent, (2) warned that what they say can be used against them in a trial, (3) informed of the right to have an attorney, and (4) told that if they cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed for them prior to questioning, if they so desire. Suspects may waive their Miranda rights, but only if the waiver is made knowingly, intelligently, and voluntarily. Other due process rights in the Fifth Amendment are the right to a grand jury indictment in felony cases (in federal court) and protection against double jeopardy. Many due process rights are provided by the Sixth Amendment: the right to a speedy and public trial, the right to an impartial jury of the state and district where the crime occurred, the right to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation, the right to confront opposing witnesses, the right to compulsory process for obtaining favorable witnesses, and the right to