Does the Fourth Amendment protect private citizens from illegal searches?

The Fourth Amendment specifically protects individuals from unreasonable searches and seizures conducted by the government. This protection is grounded in the principle that citizens have a reasonable expectation of privacy in certain contexts, and it is the government's intrusion that the amendment addresses. The language and intent of the Fourth Amendment focus on safeguarding personal privacy from government overreach rather than providing a blanket protection against actions by private citizens.

When it comes to illegal searches, only actions undertaken by government entities—such as law enforcement—fall under the scrutiny of the Fourth Amendment. This is why option B is correct; it emphasizes the critical distinction between government actions and private individuals. Private citizens are not constrained by the Fourth Amendment in the same manner as government officials are. This distinction is vital for understanding the limits and protections afforded by constitutional law.