What is the scope of the right to privacy under the US Constitution?

Under the US Constitution, the right to privacy is a fundamental right that is protected from government intrusion. This right is implied by the Bill of Rights, which guarantees certain protections from government actions. The scope of this right is broad and covers a variety of areas, from personal information to medical records and even the ability to make decisions about one’s own body. The Supreme Court has held that the right to privacy is an inherent liberty and protects individuals from unreasonable search and seizure, as well as protecting their freedom of speech, association, and access to information. The right also prevents the government from creating laws that would intrude into the life of an individual without a clear and compelling reason. In California, the right to privacy is protected primarily through state constitutional protections, such as Article 1 Section 1 of the California Constitution, which provides that “[a]ll people are by nature free and independent and have inalienable rights. Among these are enjoying and defending life and liberty, acquiring, possessing, and protecting property, and pursuing and obtaining safety, happiness, and privacy.” This guarantee of privacy includes a broad range of activities that are considered to be private, including intimacy, consensual sexual conduct, ability to make decisions about one’s own body, and a host of other rights associated with the right to privacy.

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