How does the exclusionary rule affect the use of evidence in court?

The exclusionary rule is a legal principle that prohibits the use of evidence in a criminal trial if it was obtained through violations of a defendant's constitutional rights, particularly under the Fourth Amendment, which protects against unreasonable searches and seizures. This rule is designed to deter law enforcement from conducting illegal searches or seizures, thereby upholding the integrity of the judicial system and protecting individual rights.

When evidence is obtained illegally, such as through an unlawful search without a warrant or probable cause, it cannot be used against the defendant in court. This rule serves both to protect individual rights and to ensure that law enforcement adheres to legal standards when gathering evidence. As a result, any evidence that is obtained in violation of these rights is generally rendered inadmissible, thereby influencing how law enforcement approaches investigations and the types of evidence that can be presented at trial.