Which amendment to the United States Constitution governs arrest procedures?

The 4th Amendment to the United States Constitution is pivotal in governing arrest procedures as it protects individuals from unreasonable searches and seizures. This amendment ensures that law enforcement must have probable cause to make an arrest, which often requires a warrant issued by a judge based on evidence or suspicion of criminal activity.

By establishing the need for probable cause, the 4th Amendment safeguards individual privacy and liberty, making it a fundamental component of the criminal justice system. It serves to prevent arbitrary actions by law enforcement and upholds the rule of law, ensuring that people's rights are protected during the arrest process.

The other amendments mentioned do address important rights related to the legal process, such as freedom of speech (1st), the right to a fair trial (6th), and protection against cruel and unusual punishment (8th), but they do not specifically govern the procedures involved in making an arrest. Hence, the 4th Amendment is specifically focused on the protocols that law enforcement must follow when engaging in searches and seizures, including arrests.