 The Bill of Rights was ratified on this day in 1791 — guaranteeing that in addition to free speech, freedom of religious exercise, the right to due process, and other natural rights — that the government must obtain a probable cause warrant from a judge before it can search our persons, houses, papers, and effects. It established what the Founders hoped would be a bright line against unreasonable searches and seizures. Unfortunately, with the rise of surveillance technology, the Fourth Amendment is often observed today in the breach. But it is still a shield against police entry into Americans' home and unreasonable physical searches. Let this birthday remind us of the need to jealously guard our freedoms — and extend them to the digital world, as well as the physical. Comments are closed.
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