exclusionary rule
Tainted evidence ban
The exclusionary rule is a legal principle that prohibits evidence obtained through unconstitutional means from being used in court.
If police conduct an illegal search or violate a suspect's rights, any evidence they find may be suppressed: The gun was thrown out under the exclusionary rule because officers lacked a warrant.
The rule aims to deter police misconduct by removing the incentive to violate constitutional protections.
Search and seizure protection
- unreasonable searchInvestigation lacking legal authorization
- seizureForcible taking or convulsion
- probable causeLegal threshold for searches
- search warrantDocument permitting lawful premises examination
privacy rights · due process · Fifth Amendment · self-incrimination · Miranda rights · civil liberties · Bill of Rights · Fourteenth Amendment
Not allowed as evidence
- suppressed evidenceFacts deliberately hidden from proceedings
- tainted evidenceLegally compromised courtroom materials
- unlawful searchUnauthorized government intrusion
- warrantless searchExamination without judicial authorization
wiretap · surveillance · coerced confession · chain of custody · physical evidence · documentary evidence · primary evidence · standing
Duty to prove allegations
- judicial reviewCourts invalidating unconstitutional acts
- remandReturn for further proceedings
- trial courtFirst-level judicial forum
- objectionExpression of disapproval
Unlawful acts by officers
- judicial integrityHonesty of those presiding
- deterrent effectDiscouragement through threatened consequences
- qualified immunityLegal shield for government agents
- institutional reformChanging established organizational structures
Precedent-setting court decision
- Warren Court1953-1969 Supreme Court
- judicial precedentPrior ruling guiding courts
- case lawJudge-made legal doctrine
Fourth Amendment
Search and seizure protection
- unreasonable searchInvestigation lacking legal authorization
- seizureForcible taking or convulsion
- probable causeLegal threshold for searches
search warrant · privacy rights · due process · Fifth Amendment · self-incrimination · Miranda rights · civil liberties · Bill of Rights · Fourteenth Amendment · individual rights
inadmissible
Not allowed as evidence
- suppressed evidenceFacts deliberately hidden from proceedings
- tainted evidenceLegally compromised courtroom materials
- unlawful searchUnauthorized government intrusion
warrantless search · wiretap · surveillance · coerced confession · chain of custody · physical evidence · documentary evidence · primary evidence · standing
burden of proof
Duty to prove allegations
- judicial reviewCourts invalidating unconstitutional acts
- remandReturn for further proceedings
- trial courtFirst-level judicial forum
police misconduct
Unlawful acts by officers
- judicial integrityHonesty of those presiding
- deterrent effectDiscouragement through threatened consequences
- qualified immunityLegal shield for government agents
landmark case
Precedent-setting court decision
- Warren Court1953-1969 Supreme Court
- judicial precedentPrior ruling guiding courts
- case lawJudge-made legal doctrine