Search and Seizure and the Fourth Amendment

Search and Seizure Case Study
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Case StudyIn the Los Angeles Brentwood neighborhood, neighbors have notified the police that they have seen vehicles coming and going from one specific home. The incidents occur between 11:00 p.m. and 3:00 a.m. The neighbors believe drug activity may be taking place. The local police division assigns officers Williams and Martinez to investigate possible drug activity at that location.Officer Williams contacts the neighborhood's regular trash collection service and asks it to put the contents of the subject's (defendant's) garbage left at the curb in plastic bags so as to not mix the subject's garbage with others. He also asked the trash collector to turn the subject's bags over to him at the end of trash day collections. The trash collector did as Officer Williams requested. Officer Williams's partner, Officer Martinez, searched through the garbage and found items indicative of narcotics use. Officer Williams and Officer Martinez then listed the information obtained from the trash in an affidavit to support a warrant to search the defendant's home. Officer Martinez and Officer Williams encountered the defendant at the house later that day upon execution of the warrant. The officers found quantities of cocaine and heroin during the search and arrested the defendant on felony narcotics charges.Note: As you complete this assignment, it will be helpful to you to read the actual case on which this case study is based: California v. Greenwood.
1. Explain in your own words the Fourth Amendment, which governs the officers' actions.
The Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects Americans' persons or property (homes and assets) from unreasonable searches and seizures. Searches and seizures are public order investigations of property (home or vehicle) that are considered evidence of a crime, and law enforcement officers require an order before searches and seizures. Evidence is gathered when there are arbitrary and illegal searches and seizures, and confiscation is dismissed as rights have been violated. Searches and seizures are only allowed when a search warrant and probable cause are supported, and there is the deception of the search and seizure circumstances. 
Even though the police have discretion on whom to search, arrest, stop, and question, the Fourth Amendment protects individuals against illegal searches and seizures. The amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures, and law enforcement officers use reason...