What does the Fourth Amendment protect against?

The Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution is primarily concerned with protecting individuals from unreasonable searches and seizures by the government. This means that law enforcement must have probable cause and, in most cases, a warrant issued by a judge to search property or seize items. The amendment aims to secure the privacy and security of individuals against arbitrary governmental actions.

This protection is fundamental to a free society, ensuring that people have the right to privacy in their persons, houses, papers, and effects. Additionally, the amendment establishes procedures that help prevent abuse of power by law enforcement agencies. While the other options relate to important rights within the criminal justice system, such as protection against self-incrimination, protection from double jeopardy, and the right to a speedy trial, they are addressed under different amendments: the Fifth and Sixth Amendments, respectively. Therefore, the focus of the question clearly aligns with the main intent of the Fourth Amendment, making it the correct choice.