1
Laws, Ethics, and Technology
Bachelor of Science in Business Management, Grand Canyon University
BUS-340: Ethical and Legal Issues in Business
2
Legal Theories – Fourth Amendment
The Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects people from unreasonable
searches and seizures (Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, n.d.). It ensures that individuals
have a right to privacy in their homes and personal belongings. Searches can only happen with a
warrant, which must be based on probable cause and must clearly state what is being searched or
taken (Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, n.d.). A search occurs when the government
intrudes on someone’s reasonable expectation of privacy. The Fourth Amendment protects
individuals from unreasonable searches and seizures, and the protection depends on where the
search happens. Generally, searching a home without a warrant is considered unreasonable.
However, there are some exceptions. A warrantless search can be legal if a person gives consent,
if it happens during a lawful arrest, if there is probable cause and urgent circumstances, or if the
items are visible (Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, n.d.). If an officer sees suspicious
behavior that suggests criminal activity, they can briefly stop the person and ask questions to
Laws, Ethics, and Technology
Bachelor of Science in Business Management, Grand Canyon University
BUS-340: Ethical and Legal Issues in Business
2
Legal Theories – Fourth Amendment
The Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects people from unreasonable
searches and seizures (Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, n.d.). It ensures that individuals
have a right to privacy in their homes and personal belongings. Searches can only happen with a
warrant, which must be based on probable cause and must clearly state what is being searched or
taken (Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, n.d.). A search occurs when the government
intrudes on someone’s reasonable expectation of privacy. The Fourth Amendment protects
individuals from unreasonable searches and seizures, and the protection depends on where the
search happens. Generally, searching a home without a warrant is considered unreasonable.
However, there are some exceptions. A warrantless search can be legal if a person gives consent,
if it happens during a lawful arrest, if there is probable cause and urgent circumstances, or if the
items are visible (Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, n.d.). If an officer sees suspicious
behavior that suggests criminal activity, they can briefly stop the person and ask questions to
