What is the primary purpose of the Exclusionary Rule?

The primary purpose of the Exclusionary Rule is to remove illegally obtained evidence from trials. This legal principle is rooted in the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which protects individuals from unreasonable searches and seizures. By enforcing this rule, courts aim to deter law enforcement from conducting unlawful searches or obtaining evidence improperly. When evidence is collected in violation of a person's constitutional rights, allowing it to be presented in court would undermine the integrity of the judicial system and could encourage further misconduct by law enforcement agencies.

The Exclusionary Rule thus serves as a safeguard, ensuring that only evidence obtained in a lawful manner can be used to prosecute cases in court. By excluding tainted evidence, the rule helps maintain public confidence in the legal system and promotes adherence to constitutional standards in law enforcement practices.