Illinois v. Gates - Significance

Provided law-enforcement authorities and prosecutors with a new and less restrictive set of rules to abide by in obtaining search warrants.

Under the Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution, citizens are guaranteed certain rights regarding criminal prosecution. The Amendment states, in full, that

The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath of affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.