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Simple English definitions for legal terms

exclusionary rule

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A quick definition of exclusionary rule:

The exclusionary rule is a law that says the government can't use evidence that was gathered in a way that breaks the Constitution. This means that if the police do something wrong when they search or seize something, they can't use what they find in court. There are some exceptions to this rule, like if the police didn't know they were doing something wrong or if they would have found the evidence anyway. The purpose of the rule is to make sure that the police follow the law and to protect people's rights.

A more thorough explanation:

The exclusionary rule is a legal principle that prevents the government from using evidence that was obtained in violation of the United States Constitution. This rule applies to evidence that was gathered through an unreasonable search or seizure, in violation of the Fourth Amendment. It also applies to self-incriminatory statements obtained in violation of the Fifth Amendment and evidence obtained in violation of the Sixth Amendment right to counsel.

If evidence that falls within the scope of the exclusionary rule leads law enforcement to other evidence, which they would not otherwise have located, then the exclusionary rule applies to the newly discovered evidence. This secondarily excluded evidence is called “fruit of the poisonous tree.”

The exclusionary rule is a court-created remedy and deterrent, not an independent constitutional right. Its purpose is to deter law enforcement officers from conducting searches or seizures in violation of the Fourth Amendment and to provide remedies to defendants whose rights have been infringed.

There are several exceptions to the exclusionary rule:

  • Good Faith Exception: Evidence is not excluded if it is obtained by officers who reasonably rely on a search warrant that turns out to be invalid. This exception does not trigger the rule because excluding the evidence would not deter police officers from violating the law in the future.
  • Independent Source Doctrine: Evidence initially obtained during an unlawful search or seizure may later be admissible if the evidence is later obtained through a constitutionally valid search or seizure.
  • Inevitable Discovery Doctrine: This doctrine allows admission of evidence that was discovered in an unlawful search or seizure if it would have been discovered in the same condition anyway, by an independent line of investigation that was already being pursued when the unlawful search or seizure occurred.
  • Attenuation Doctrine: In cases where the relationship between the evidence challenged and the unconstitutional conduct is too remote and attenuated, the evidence may be admissible.
  • Evidence Admissible for Impeachment: The exclusionary rule does not prevent the government from introducing illegally gathered evidence to “impeach,” or attack the credibility of, defendants’ testimony at trial.
  • Qualified Immunity: Due to qualified immunity, the exclusionary rule is often a defendant's only remedy when police officers conduct an unreasonable search or violate their Miranda rights.

For example, the good faith exception allows evidence to be admissible if it is obtained by officers who reasonably rely on a search warrant that turns out to be invalid. This exception does not trigger the exclusionary rule because excluding the evidence would not deter police officers from violating the law in the future.

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hello chi big law friend
i work midsize law rn in chi
ParallelAgreeableOrangutan
12:50
@MisterSaint: WashU called me with my A six days post-interview (interviewed last Tues). I think timelines are a bit extended rn since it's crunch time in admissions offices
bands a make her dance
bands a make her dance
Mostlylegal
13:03
ovi
13:09
Will law schools accept applicants with 3.4-3.6 gaps ima. freshman in college and I want to know what to prioritize in college
13:10
is it more LSAT or grades, I haven't gotten a c but will one C ruin my chances of going?
13:10
Trying to get in UC Law School after undergrad
@UnevenInstinctiveSeal: Don't give up yet, they are still doing interviews (I have mine tomorrow)
Thanks! But considering my interview was over 3 months ago and I applied 5 months ago, it's hard to be hopeful. I'm expecting a WL/R I just don't know why I keep missing those waves.
[] c0bra1
13:21
@Bobcat4life: i have a gpa in that range with 1 C because of certain circumstances but i would recommend getting it up as much as possible
[] c0bra1
13:21
i had a lot of medical issues one year and explained that
13:25
How lenient would Law Schools be with medical issues like ADHD?
eggan
13:26
cornell WL -> R :(
13:26
I performed mediocre first semester im looking at 3 As and maybe a b and a B+ this semester
13:27
Do your minors reflect well on Law School applications anyone?
13:27
and certificates?
little to no effect
13:29
Hey bobcat, take a deep breath. There isn't any reason to stress yourself out if you have three more years of school left. Try your best to get good grades, study hard for the LSAT and that is 90% of the game. during your next few years get close with a couple professors who can write you a LOR and if possible, do some sort of publishing whether that be a senior thesis or for some research. But there is no reason to stress so much right now.
[] c0bra1
13:32
trying to do your best or even a little less than your best is the way to go. sometimes you will work really hard and exhaust yourself trying to get a good result. 3 years is a long while!
13:35
poor bobcat
13:36
fr fr, I am worried they might have a heart attack over their keyboard
Mostlylegal
13:40
Prioritize your gpa.
but also, dont forget to have fun
[] c0bra1
13:56
or do something youre interested in lol
MrThickRopes
14:03
WAVES TD?
Mostlylegal
14:08
SO MANY WAVES TODAY
Mostlylegal
14:08
jk prob tmrew
when UT Knoxville says app reviewed- pending decision after being under review, is the decision coming like soon or could be another week? any insight ?
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