What does the exclusionary rule state?

The exclusionary rule is a legal principle that establishes that evidence obtained through unconstitutional means, specifically in violation of the Fourth Amendment, cannot be used in a court of law. This rule is designed to deter law enforcement from conducting illegal searches and seizures, thereby protecting the constitutional rights of individuals.

When law enforcement officers obtain evidence without a proper warrant or probable cause, that evidence is considered tainted or “fruit of the poisonous tree.” The exclusionary rule helps preserve the integrity of the judicial process by ensuring that only lawfully obtained evidence is presented in court, thus maintaining public confidence in the legal system.

This principle is integral to the protection of individuals' rights and promotes accountability within law enforcement agencies by discouraging unlawful conduct during investigations. The rule is not limited to any specific type of evidence, nor does it depend on whether the suspect consents; it broadly prohibits all evidence that has been obtained through illegal methods from being admissible in court proceedings.