What legal doctrine prevents illegally obtained evidence from being used in court?

The legal doctrine that prevents illegally obtained evidence from being used in court is known as the Exclusionary Rule. This principle is set forth to protect the constitutional rights of individuals, particularly their Fourth Amendment rights against unreasonable searches and seizures.

The Exclusionary Rule asserts that any evidence gathered through violations of constitutional rights cannot be presented in a court of law. This rule serves a critical function in deterring law enforcement from conducting unlawful searches, ensuring adherence to legal standards and upholding the integrity of the judicial system.

While the concept of "Fruit of the Poisonous Tree" is related to the Exclusionary Rule, as it refers to evidence that has been derived from illegally obtained evidence, it is not the primary doctrine itself. Miranda Rights are protections against self-incrimination during police interrogations, while Double Jeopardy prevents an individual from being tried twice for the same offense. Each of these concepts serves distinct purposes in the legal system, highlighting the importance of lawful evidence gathering and the protection of individual rights.