Which amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures conducted outside the judicial system?

The 4th Amendment is the correct choice as it specifically protects individuals from unreasonable searches and seizures. This Amendment establishes the necessity for law enforcement to have probable cause and, in most cases, to obtain a warrant before conducting a search or making an arrest. This protection ensures that individuals' privacy rights are upheld and that there is a judicial check against potential abuses of power by law enforcement.

The emphasis on "unreasonable" highlights that not all searches and seizures are prohibited, but that they must be conducted within the framework of constitutional safeguards. This Amendment plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance between the authority of the government to enforce laws and the personal liberties of citizens.

In the context of the other options, the 1st Amendment addresses freedoms related to speech, religion, and assembly; the 5th Amendment focuses on rights related to due process, self-incrimination, and double jeopardy; and the 10th Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states or the people. None of these amendments pertain directly to protections against unreasonable searches and seizures.