An individual's right to privacy is chiefly protected by which amendment?

The Fourth Amendment is primarily responsible for protecting an individual's right to privacy, particularly in the context of searches and seizures. It protects citizens from unreasonable searches and ensures that any warrant issued is based on probable cause, thereby safeguarding personal areas such as homes and belongings from governmental intrusion without just cause. While other amendments touch on aspects of privacy—such as the First Amendment which protects the freedom of speech and religion, and the Eighth Amendment which guards against cruel and unusual punishment—the Fourth Amendment is specifically focused on the protection of privacy in relation to governmental authority and law enforcement actions. This makes it the cornerstone for privacy rights within the U.S. Constitution.