The Ninth Amendment serves to protect what kind of rights?

The Ninth Amendment is designed to protect rights that are retained by the people, underscoring the idea that the enumeration of certain rights in the Constitution does not mean that other rights do not exist. This amendment serves as a reminder that individuals possess numerous rights beyond those explicitly listed in the Bill of Rights and that the absence of certain rights in the Constitution should not be construed to deny or disparage other fundamental rights held by the people. It emphasizes the principle that individuals have inherent rights that are not contingent upon the government's recognition or enumeration, thus safeguarding the broader scope of personal liberties.

This context is particularly important in discussions about civil rights and liberties, as it reinforces the notion that the Constitution is meant to be interpreted in a way that acknowledges the full spectrum of human rights and freedoms.