What is meant by “search and seizure”?

“Search and seizure” refers to the examination of a person’s property by law enforcement officials with the intent to find evidence related to criminal activity. This process is governed by the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which protects individuals from unreasonable searches and seizures. For a search and seizure to be lawful, officers typically need probable cause and, in many instances, a warrant issued by a judge.

This choice captures the essence of what search and seizure involves—actively looking for evidence within someone’s belongings or premises to support a criminal investigation. The emphasis is not on the physical arrest of individuals or the securing of a scene, but rather on the investigative component where law enforcement conducts a careful search to uncover potential evidence of crime.

Although other options touch on related concepts within law enforcement, they do not encapsulate the primary meaning of “search and seizure” in the legal context as effectively as the chosen answer does.