Exclusionary Rule
Definition:
The exclusionary rule is a legal rule in the United States that says if the police gather evidence in an illegal way, that evidence cannot be used against a person in a criminal trial. This rule is meant to protect people's rights and ensure that law enforcement follows the law.
Usage Instructions:
You can use "exclusionary rule" when discussing legal cases, police conduct, or issues of justice. It is usually used in formal contexts, such as law discussions, court cases, or academic writing.
Example:
- "The judge decided to throw out the evidence because it was obtained through an illegal search, applying the exclusionary rule."
Advanced Usage:
In more advanced discussions, you might talk about the implications of the exclusionary rule, such as its effects on police behavior and the rights of individuals. For example, you could say, "The exclusionary rule serves as a check on police power, ensuring that law enforcement agencies adhere to constitutional protections."
Word Variants:
- Exclusionary (adjective): Referring to the nature of excluding something.
- Example: "The exclusionary policies of the school limited access to certain resources." - Exclude (verb): To leave something out or not allow it.
- Example: "They decided to exclude certain evidence from the trial."
Different Meaning:
- Outside of legal contexts, "exclusionary" can refer to anything that keeps people out or limits access, such as clubs or organizations that do not allow everyone to join.
Synonyms:
- Exclusionary: Discriminatory, restrictive. - Rule: Regulation, guideline, principle.
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:
While there are no direct idioms or phrasal verbs specifically related to "exclusionary rule," you might encounter phrases related to "rules" in general, such as:
- "Break the rules": to do something that is not allowed.
- "Play by the rules": to follow the established guidelines or laws.
Summary:
The exclusionary rule is an important legal principle that protects individuals from illegal police practices by ensuring that any evidence obtained unlawfully cannot be used in court.