What is the exclusionary rule of the Fourth Amendment?

The exclusionary rule of the Fourth Amendment states that any evidence that was obtained in an illegal manner by law enforcement cannot be used in criminal proceedings. This is to protect citizens from unreasonable search and seizure. In Massachusetts, the exclusionary rule applies to the state and local law enforcement. When evidence is obtained illegally, it is excluded from the criminal case. This means that if a search or seizure is conducted without a valid warrant, any evidence that was obtained through that search is not admissible in court. The exclusionary rule also applies to cases where evidence is obtained in violation of the Miranda rights or if it is obtained through coercion. The exclusionary rule is an important safeguard for citizens as it prevents law enforcement from using unfair tactics and helps to ensure that the rights of the accused are respected. Without the exclusionary rule, evidence obtained through unreasonable search and seizure could be used to prosecute an individual. This would result in a violation of the Fourth Amendment as it would be an infringement of the right to privacy and to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures.

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What is the exclusionary rule of the Fourth Amendment?

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