What happens to evidence acquired as a result of illegal searches?

Evidence acquired as a result of illegal searches is deemed inadmissible in court due to the exclusionary rule. This legal principle is designed to deter law enforcement from conducting unlawful searches and seizures, thus protecting individuals' constitutional rights. The exclusionary rule prevents any evidence obtained through violations of the Fourth Amendment—from unreasonable searches and seizures—from being used against an individual in a judicial proceeding.

The rationale behind this rule is to discourage illegal police conduct and to maintain the integrity of the judicial system by ensuring that obtained evidence adheres to constitutional standards. As such, any evidence stemming from an illegal search cannot be presented in court, reinforcing the notion that the ends do not justify the means when it comes to law enforcement actions.