What is the "exclusionary rule"?

The exclusionary rule is a legal principle that prohibits the use of evidence obtained in violation of a person's constitutional rights, specifically the Fourth Amendment, which protects against unreasonable searches and seizures. This rule aims to deter law enforcement from conducting improper searches and to uphold the integrity of the judicial process. By preventing unlawfully obtained evidence from being used in court, the exclusionary rule seeks to ensure that individuals' rights are respected and that the law is enforced fairly.

As a foundational concept in criminal procedure, the exclusionary rule underscores the need for law enforcement to follow legal protocols, such as obtaining warrants or having probable cause, before conducting searches or seizures. This approach reinforces the balance between the necessity of law enforcement to investigate crimes and the need to protect individual rights against government overreach.