What does the term "effects" refer to under the 4th Amendment?

The term "effects" under the 4th Amendment refers to items that belong to the individual, which includes personal belongings and possessions that a person has a reasonable expectation of privacy in. The amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures, which means that law enforcement must typically obtain a warrant to search for and seize these items. This protection extends to private property, personal items, and any effects that an individual owns or possesses.

This understanding is rooted in the historical context of the 4th Amendment, which was designed to safeguard citizens from arbitrary governmental intrusions into their personal lives and belongings, emphasizing the importance of privacy and property rights. Items that are considered effects can vary widely, including clothing, documents, and personal digital devices—anything that an individual owns that reflects their privacy expectations.

The other options do not capture the specific legal definition of "effects" as intended by the 4th Amendment. For instance, while physical objects that are movable could be effects, the term encompasses a broader range of personal items specifically tied to an individual's ownership and expectation of privacy, making the chosen answer more accurate.