What is curtilage in relation to privacy expectations?

Curtilage refers to the area immediately surrounding a dwelling, which is considered to have a reasonable expectation of privacy. This concept is particularly significant in legal contexts, especially regarding Fourth Amendment protections against unreasonable searches and seizures. The surrounding space that is closely connected to the home, such as yards, gardens, and driveways, is regarded as an extension of the home itself, and thus, individuals have higher privacy expectations in these areas compared to more public spaces.

In contrast, areas like the inside of the house are covered by the expectation of privacy as well, but the question specifically targets the surrounding area. Public sidewalks adjacent to a property do not afford privacy protections because they are open to the public, and protective fencing might indicate an intention to secure the property but does not define the area’s legal interpretation of curtilage.