What does the Fourth Amendment primarily address?

The Fourth Amendment primarily addresses the protection against unreasonable searches and seizures. This amendment is a critical component of the Bill of Rights in the United States Constitution, specifically designed to safeguard individuals' privacy and property rights. It establishes the principle that law enforcement must have probable cause and, in most cases, a warrant issued by a judge to conduct searches and seize evidence. This legal framework aims to prevent arbitrary government intrusion into the personal lives of citizens, thereby promoting a balance between individual freedom and the need for effective law enforcement.

The other options refer to different amendments and rights provided by the Constitution. For instance, freedom of speech and assembly is covered under the First Amendment, while protection against cruel and unusual punishment is addressed by the Eighth Amendment. Furthermore, the right to protection in legal proceedings relates to various rights outlined in the Fifth and Sixth Amendments, focusing on due process and fair trial rights. Therefore, the Fourth Amendment's specific focus on unreasonable searches and seizures clearly distinguishes it as the answer to the question.