1780's 1790's     1860's     1920's 1960's 2000's
dot white     white     white white white
Signing of the Constitution Bill of Rights     Civil War     Olmstead vs. U.S. Katz vs. U.S. NYC Subway Searches
 
1780's

"The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized."

The Founders made sure to protect against unreasonable searches when they wrote the U.S. Constitution. The Founders believed that what goes on inside a private home is not the government’s business unless there is proof of a crime.

Issue History: Subway Searches