Which is NOT an exception to the Exclusionary Rule?

Which is NOT an exception to the Exclusionary Rule?

• A. Direct result of an illegal search
• B. Inevitable discovery
• C. Independent source
• D. Attenuation

Answer: (A)

The Exclusionary Rule bars evidence obtained in violation of the Fourth Amendment, but several recognized exceptions allow tainted evidence to be admitted. A direct result of an illegal search is not an exception—it remains tainted and is typically excluded as fruit of the poisonous tree. The other three listed are established exceptions. Inevitable discovery allows evidence to come in if the police would have discovered it lawfully anyway. Independent source means if the evidence is obtained through a separate, legitimate source, its admission is permitted. Attenuation covers cases where the link between the illegal conduct and the evidence is sufficiently remote or disrupted by intervening events, so the taint is dissipated and the evidence can be admitted.

The Exclusionary Rule bars evidence obtained in violation of the Fourth Amendment, but several recognized exceptions allow tainted evidence to be admitted. A direct result of an illegal search is not an exception—it remains tainted and is typically excluded as fruit of the poisonous tree.

The other three listed are established exceptions. Inevitable discovery allows evidence to come in if the police would have discovered it lawfully anyway. Independent source means if the evidence is obtained through a separate, legitimate source, its admission is permitted. Attenuation covers cases where the link between the illegal conduct and the evidence is sufficiently remote or disrupted by intervening events, so the taint is dissipated and the evidence can be admitted.