Unreasonable Searches

Definition

Unreasonable searches refer to searches conducted by law enforcement without proper justification or without obtaining a warrant based on probable cause. These searches violate an individual's Fourth Amendment rights and are generally considered unlawful.

Related terms

Terry Stop: Also known as stop-and-frisk, it refers to brief detentions made by police officers if they have reasonable suspicion of criminal activity.

Plain View Doctrine: This doctrine allows law enforcement officers to seize objects in plain sight during lawful activities, even if those objects were not originally the target of the search.

Consent Search: A search conducted with the voluntary permission of an individual who agrees to waive their Fourth Amendment rights.