In light of the everlasting debate over racial-profiling and other discriminatory police practices, we believe it’s important that citizens are aware about their constitutional rights.

There are many people (yes, even ones we know) who know absolutely nothing about how their constitutional provisions can prevent unreasonable searches and seizures by police officers. Whether you are stopped while driving your car, minding your own business walking on the street, in the privacy of your own home or place of business, the 4th Amendment of the US Constitution is the sentinel of every citizen’s privacy.

Its conditions establish necessary protections from unwarranted, unreasonable, government intrusions into your home, business, property, and to your person.

“Reasonable” search typically means that an agency or officers must obtain a warrant to document why a search is necessary, as well as the probable cause to believe a crime has been committed.

You’d be surprised just how many people don’t know how to exercise their rights immediately, verbally, and clearly when face-to-face with law enforcement.

Minorities and young people should be particularly aware of these rights, as systemic biases in law enforcement are more prevalent than ever.

In the video above, Know Your Rights host Britt Hysen talks with Nina Hodjat of Hodjat Law and DUI Partners in detail about how the 4th Amendment can protect you.

Even if you’re not a fan of Ron Paul, the video is definitely informative and worth watching all the way through to see the cop’s reaction at the very end.