Exclusionary Rule Pros And Cons

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My thoughts/opinions regarding the exclusionary rule very much align with my previous post concerning constitutional rights of persons v. obtaining a conviction (favor towards protecting/preserving constitutional rights). With that said, I am an advocate of the exclusionary rule. I feel that it’s implementation is a very important component of our judicial procedures, and one that is not necessarily in need of repeal. I also believe that the exclusionary rule is a fundamental element in ensuring the preservation of one’s constitutional rights in that the rule serves to deter misconduct of law enforcement officials and judicial agents by requiring them to know the laws of conducting proper searches and seizures, interrogation techniques/tactics, …show more content…

This doctrine allows a court to exclude any evidence that was obtained legally/illegally, in addition to any evidence that is found thereafter (any additional evidence derived from the initial illegal search/seizure). An example of such would be as follows:

A law enforcement officer unlawfully enters a home (without search warrant) on the basis of mere suspicion that the resident is involved in illegal activities. Upon entering the residence, the officer discovers illegal narcotics in addition to a list of dealers - Any other evidence or persons seized (legally or illegally) as result of evidence/contraband found within the home, falls under the fruit of the poisonous tree doctrine and may be inadmissible in court.

In summary, I feel that the exclusionary rule and the fruit of the poisonous tree doctrine should remain in place although (in some instances) it may allow a criminal to walk free. I firmly believe that the current procedural laws in place give law enforcement officials enough resources and legal avenues to act and to obtain the evidence that they seek; it is because of this fact, that I believe that a repeal of the law is unnecessary and that implementation in the law is

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