What is the Exclusionary Rule?

The Exclusionary Rule is a legal principle that prohibits the use of evidence in a criminal trial if it was obtained in violation of a person's Fourth Amendment rights, which protect against unreasonable searches and seizures. This rule is intended to deter law enforcement from conducting illegal searches and ensures that individuals' constitutional rights are respected. If evidence collected during a search is deemed unlawful, it cannot be presented in court, even if it may be relevant to the case. This principle helps uphold the integrity of the judicial process and reinforces the importance of adhering to constitutional protections.