For a search to be valid, a person's expectation of privacy must be...

For a search to be valid, a person's expectation of privacy must be both subjectively and objectively reasonable. This dual requirement ensures that an individual not only believes they have a privacy expectation in a particular situation but that this belief is also recognized by society at large as reasonable.

A subjective expectation of privacy refers to the individual's personal belief about their privacy in a given context. This might vary based on personal feelings and experiences. On the other hand, an objective expectation is measured against societal standards; it assesses whether a reasonable person would also consider the expectation of privacy to be legitimate in similar circumstances. The combination of these two elements helps establish a robust framework for determining whether a search is constitutionally permissible under the Fourth Amendment.

Understanding this balance is crucial for police officers and legal practitioners, as it guides their actions and ensures adherence to constitutional protections against unreasonable searches and seizures.