Which amendment is most often cited in discussions about the right to privacy?

The Ninth Amendment is often cited in discussions about the right to privacy because it states that the enumeration of certain rights in the Constitution does not mean that other rights not specifically mentioned are not also protected. This has led to interpretations that suggest a broader understanding of individual rights, including the right to privacy, which is not explicitly stated in the Constitution.

The development of the right to privacy as a constitutional concept has largely emerged from interpretations of the Ninth Amendment, particularly in landmark Supreme Court cases. Although the Fourth Amendment focuses on protection against unreasonable searches and seizures, it is the Ninth Amendment that helps underscore the idea that individuals possess other fundamental rights beyond those expressly outlined in the Constitution. This has played a critical role in discussions about personal privacy and autonomy.