What does 'curtilage' refer to in the context of the Fourth Amendment?

'Curtilage' refers specifically to the area immediately surrounding a home, which is considered part of the residence for Fourth Amendment purposes. This concept is important because it recognizes that the protection against unreasonable searches and seizures extends not just to the interior of a person's home, but also to the land and structures immediately adjacent to it that are associated with the activities of the home.

Courts assess factors such as proximity to the home, whether the area is enclosed, and the nature of the activities conducted there to determine what constitutes curtilage. This designation provides a higher expectation of privacy than open fields or public property, making it essential in evaluating potential Fourth Amendment violations.

In contrast, open fields, the interior of a home, or public property do not carry the same legal protections associated with curtilage, thereby clarifying why the correct definition focuses on the immediate area around a residence.