exclusionary rule

noun

1. a rule that forbids the introduction of illegally obtained evidence in a criminal trial.

Word History and Origins

Origin of exclusionary rule¹

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

Mr. Kamisar wrote extensively on Fourth Amendment protections against unreasonable search and seizure and championed the “exclusionary rule,” according to which prosecutors may not use in court any evidence gathered in violation of those protections.

From Washington Post

Subsequently, conservative Supreme Court justices have followed conservative groups' arguments by carving out numerous exceptions to the exclusionary rule.

From Salon

I am an agitator when I need to be, and agitate I will until this exclusionary rule is gone for good.

From Washington Post

Lord Justice McCombe said the RAF's "broad exclusionary rule" barring married partners from receiving such compensation was "a sledgehammer to crack a nut".

From BBC

“Perhaps his most vehement objection… concerned the exclusionary rule,” Kavanaugh said.

From Los Angeles Times