What principle was established in Mapp v. Ohio regarding illegal searches?

The principle established in Mapp v. Ohio is that the exclusionary rule applies, meaning that evidence obtained through illegal searches and seizures cannot be used in court. This landmark Supreme Court case extended the exclusionary rule, which was originally applied only to federal agents, to state courts as well.

As a result of this ruling, any evidence gathered in violation of the Fourth Amendment, which protects against unreasonable searches and seizures, is inadmissible in criminal prosecutions. This decision reinforced the importance of adhering to constitutional rights and helped to ensure that law enforcement agencies operate within legal boundaries when collecting evidence. The focus of the ruling was on protecting individuals’ rights and maintaining the integrity of the judicial system by preventing the use of improperly obtained evidence.