Understanding Your Fourth Amendment Rights in Minnesota In Minnesota, as throughout the United States, your protection against unlawful search and seizure is enshrined in the Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. This fundamental right safeguards individuals from arbitrary governmental intrusions into their privacy and property. It’s not just a theoretical concept; it's a practical shield designed to prevent law enforcement from acting without proper justification. When police overstep these boundaries, it can have serious consequences, both for the individual whose rights are violated and for the integrity of the justice system. At its core, the Fourth Amendment states that "the right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be sea...