What does the term "exclusionary rule" refer to?

The term "exclusionary rule" refers specifically to the legal principle that prohibits the use of illegally obtained evidence in court. This means that if law enforcement collects evidence in violation of a person's constitutional rights, such as through an unlawful search and seizure, that evidence cannot be presented during a trial. This rule is meant to deter police misconduct and to protect individual rights by ensuring that the justice system does not benefit from illegal actions.

The exclusionary rule is a crucial aspect of criminal procedure because it serves as a check on governmental power and upholds the integrity of the judicial process. The rationale behind this rule is that allowing illegal evidence to be used in court would undermine the rule of law and the constitutional protections afforded to individuals.