Which document protects individuals from unreasonable searches and seizures?

The correct answer is found in the federal constitution, specifically in the Fourth Amendment. This amendment explicitly protects individuals from unreasonable searches and seizures by the government, ensuring that law enforcement agencies cannot conduct searches without probable cause and, in many cases, a warrant issued by a judge based on that probable cause.

The Bill of Rights, which is a part of the federal constitution, contains the Fourth Amendment, but the question specifically asks for the broader document that encompasses this protection. The Declaration of Independence, while a foundational document in American history, does not establish legal rights, including those regarding search and seizure. The Articles of Confederation, which served as the first constitution of the United States, focused on the governance of the states and lacked provisions for individual rights in the way that the federal constitution does.

Understanding the role of the federal constitution in protecting individual liberties is crucial for law enforcement personnel, as they must ensure that their actions comply with constitutional mandates to uphold the rights of citizens.