What does the 4th Amendment require for a search warrant?

The 4th Amendment of the United States Constitution requires that a search warrant be supported by probable cause. This means that law enforcement must have a sufficient level of evidence to believe that a crime has been committed and that evidence related to that crime will likely be found in the place they intend to search. Probable cause is a standard that requires more than a mere suspicion but does not require absolute certainty.

In addition to meeting this standard of probable cause, the warrant must also be specific about the location to be searched and the items to be seized. This requirement is designed to protect individuals from unreasonable searches and invasions of privacy, ensuring that there is justified reason for the intrusion. This fundamental principle is a key aspect of the legal framework in the United States, reflecting a balance between the needs of law enforcement and the rights of individuals.

While reasonable suspicion pertains to a lower threshold of belief related to pat-downs and stop-and-frisk situations, it does not satisfy the requirements needed to obtain a search warrant. Consent allows a person to agree to a search without a warrant or probable cause, and public notice is not a requirement for issuing a search warrant. These distinctions highlight the specific nature of probable cause as the correct answer.