Elements of protection

The fourth amendment can be broken down into 2 distinct parts.

1. Protection against unreasonable against unreasonable searches :  The first part provides protection against unreasonable searches and seizures, although historically there have been myriad ways in which unreasonable searches were remedied. Modern jurisprudence has afforded the police officers an incentive to respect the amendment.

2. Probable cause: The second part of the amendment provides for the proper issue of warrants. When warrants are issued, there must be probable cause. Probable cause is tested using the "totality of circumstances" test as defined in Illinois v. Gates, 462 U.S. 213 (1983).