What are the constitutional requirements for search and seizure?

In Maryland, search and seizure is governed by the Fourth Amendment of the Constitution. This amendment states that searches and seizures must generally have a warrant signed by a judge to be valid. In order for this warrant to issued, a law enforcement officer must have probable cause to believe that a crime has been committed and that the items sought are evidence of the crime. Without a warrant, searches are only generally allowed in very limited circumstances, such as when there is an imminent threat of danger or when an officer has probable cause to believe the evidence of a crime is in plain view. In addition to a warrant, the Fourth Amendment requires that the search be conducted in a reasonable manner and that it be confined to the areas specified in the warrant. Any evidence obtained illegally during a search and seizure cannot be used in court. It is important to note that these rights apply to both citizens and non-citizens in the United States. The Fourth Amendment also prohibits law enforcement from engaging in unreasonable searches and seizures of private property. This means that any search or seizure without a warrant must be conducted in a manner that is reasonable and non-intrusive, such as through the use of non-destructive technology. In addition, officers must use only the amount of force necessary to conduct a search, and they must respect the rights of the person being searched.

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