Lesson 29: Exclusionary Rule
The Exclusionary Rule is a legal principle in the United States, rooted in the Fourth Amendment, which prohibits the use of evidence obtained through violations of constitutional rights in a court of law.
The Fourth Amendment
The Fourth Amendment protects citizens from unreasonable searches and seizures. It ensures that any evidence gathered in violation of this amendment is inadmissible in court. For a deeper understanding, see our discussion on Search and Seizure and Warrants and Probable Cause.
Purpose of the Exclusionary Rule
The primary purpose of the Exclusionary Rule is to deter law enforcement from conducting illegal searches and seizures. By excluding improperly obtained evidence, the rule upholds the integrity of the judicial system and reinforces constitutional rights.
Want to delve deeper into the history and impact of the Exclusionary Rule? Check out "The Exclusionary Rule: Legal and Historical Perspectives".
Key Case: Mapp v. Ohio
The landmark case Mapp v. Ohio (1961) extended the Exclusionary Rule to state courts, ensuring that evidence obtained in violation of the Fourth Amendment could not be used in state prosecutions.
Understanding the Principle
Below is a simple illustration of the Exclusionary Rule:
Exceptions to the Exclusionary Rule
There are several exceptions to the Exclusionary Rule, including:
- Good Faith Exception: Evidence obtained with a defective warrant may be admissible if law enforcement acted in good faith.
- Inevitable Discovery Doctrine: Evidence that would have been discovered legally, regardless of the illegal search, is admissible.
- Independent Source Doctrine: Evidence initially discovered during an illegal search but later obtained independently through legal means is admissible.
Additional Resources
To explore more about the origins and applications of the Exclusionary Rule, see: