What is the "exclusionary rule"?

The exclusionary rule is a legal principle that serves to protect individuals' rights by prohibiting the use of evidence in a criminal trial that has been obtained in violation of the defendant's constitutional rights, particularly the Fourth Amendment, which guards against unreasonable searches and seizures. This rule is designed to deter law enforcement from engaging in unlawful conduct when gathering evidence, ensuring that due process is upheld in the legal system.

By implementing the exclusionary rule, courts aim to maintain the integrity of the judicial process. If evidence is acquired through illegal means—such as without a proper warrant or probable cause—this rule will exclude that evidence from being presented during the trial, thereby potentially affecting the outcome of the case. This principle emphasizes the importance of lawful procedures in criminal investigations and underscores the protection of individual rights against government overreach.

Other options do not align with the recognized definition of the exclusionary rule; they either relate to unrelated legal practices or do not pertain to evidence protocols in criminal cases.