What is the exclusionary rule?

The exclusionary rule is a legal principle that prevents the admission of evidence in court that has been obtained through illegal means, such as violations of a person's Fourth Amendment rights against unreasonable searches and seizures. This rule is designed to uphold the integrity of the judicial process by discouraging law enforcement from conducting unlawful searches or seizing evidence without proper warrants or justifiable cause.

By ruling that evidence obtained in violation of constitutional rights cannot be used in court, the exclusionary rule serves as a deterrent against unlawful investigative practices. It emphasizes the protection of individual rights and maintains public confidence in the legal system by ensuring that the authorities must adhere to established legal standards when gathering evidence. In this context, the correct answer indicates a fundamental safeguard in criminal procedure, affirming the importance of legal compliance in evidence collection.

The other options address different legal concepts: the admissibility of evidence without a warrant, double jeopardy, and the right to counsel, but they do not relate directly to the purpose or function of the exclusionary rule in protecting against the use of illegally obtained evidence.