What legal principle prevents the use of illegally obtained evidence in court?

The exclusionary rule is a legal principle that governs the admissibility of evidence in court. Specifically, it dictates that evidence obtained in violation of a defendant's constitutional rights, especially those rights protected by the Fourth Amendment concerning unlawful searches and seizures, cannot be used in a criminal prosecution. This rule serves as a safeguard against the government's use of illegal means to obtain evidence, ensuring that law enforcement adheres to constitutional standards when conducting investigations.

This principle maintains the integrity of the judicial process by deterring law enforcement from engaging in unlawful practices that infringe on individual rights. By excluding such tainted evidence, the legal system reinforces the notion that the ends do not justify the means.

Other options, while related to legal principles, do not address the issue of illegally obtained evidence specifically. The right to a fair trial focuses on the overall fairness and due process of legal proceedings rather than on the admissibility of evidence. The hearsay rule pertains to the types of statements that can be admitted as evidence, dealing with out-of-court statements used for their truth, rather than on the legality of how evidence is obtained. The double jeopardy principle protects individuals from being tried for the same offense after an acquittal or conviction, relating to the trial process itself rather than