When Do The Police Need A Warrant To Search My Home

Full Video Transcript

The Fourth Amendment protects private citizens from unreasonable searches and seizures. Additionally, under the exclusionary rule generally anything seized during an illegal search cannot be used as evidence in court. This means that most of the time the police need a warrant to search a person’s home. However, there are exceptions to this rule. You can waive your right to this warrant requirement if you personally allow an officer access to your house. Also, an officer may enter your home in an emergency, such as if your roof is on fire. There are other exceptions that grant access to state officials, and these vary by jurisdiction.