What is the Exclusionary Rule?

The Exclusionary Rule is a legal principle that serves as a remedy for violations of an individual's rights protected under the Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Amendments of the U.S. Constitution. This rule dictates that evidence obtained through unlawful search and seizure, coercive interrogations, or in violation of a person’s right to counsel cannot be used against them in a court of law. The rule is designed to deter law enforcement from engaging in unconstitutional practices by disallowing the use of evidence that may have been illegally acquired.

This principle plays a crucial role in upholding the rights of individuals against governmental abuse and ensures that any evidence presented in court is obtained in a manner consistent with constitutional protections. Hence, when law enforcement officials breach these rights, the Exclusionary Rule acts as a safeguard, reinforcing the integrity of the judicial process.