What does the exclusionary rule primarily require?

• A. Evidence obtained in violation of the Fourth Amendment is admissible in court.
• B. Evidence obtained in accordance with proper procedure is inadmissible.
• C. Evidence obtained in violation of the Fourth Amendment is typically inadmissible.
• D. Hearsay evidence is always inadmissible.

Answer: (C)

The exclusionary rule is about suppressing evidence that comes from an unlawful search or seizure. When police violate the Fourth Amendment, the rule barring that evidence from being used in court is the typical outcome. The goal is to deter illegal police conduct and protect constitutional rights. While there are well-known exceptions (like good-faith reliance on a defective warrant, inevitable discovery, independent source, or attenuation), the default position is that illegally obtained evidence is inadmissible.