What defines a Katz search?

A Katz search is defined by its reliance on the principles established in the Supreme Court case Katz v. United States. The key aspect of a Katz search is that it focuses on a person's reasonable expectation of privacy, rather than the physical intrusion into a place. In this case, the court ruled that even if there is no physical trespass, a search can still be deemed a violation of an individual's Fourth Amendment rights if it infringes upon their reasonable expectation of privacy.

This concept has significant implications for law enforcement operations, as it establishes that surveillance or examination of private communications and activities without obtaining a warrant can constitute a search, even if no physical trespass occurs. Thus, the distinguishing characteristic of a Katz search is that it does not require physical presence or intrusion to be considered a search under the Fourth Amendment; rather, it emphasizes the protection of privacy rights.