Exclusionary Rule
What is the rule that keeps illegally obtained evidence out of court?
Exclusionary Rule
What document authorizes a legal search?
What is a “search incident to arrest”?
A search of the person and area within their reach after a lawful arrest.
What case established “stop and frisk”?
Terry v. Ohio
Officer sees marijuana on a car seat through the window. Legal search?
Yes – plain view doctrine.
Name one exception to the exclusionary rule.
Good faith, consent, independent source, or inevitable discovery.
When can officers search without a warrant?
If they receive voluntary consent or there’s an emergency/exigent circumstance.
What is the purpose of a search incident to arrest?
To protect officer safety and prevent destruction of evidence.
What standard did Terry v. Ohio set?
Reasonable suspicion.
Student hands over backpack voluntarily. Legal search?
Yes – consent search.
What does the Independent Source Doctrine allow?
Allows evidence discovered independently of illegal activity to still be used.
Name two requirements for a valid warrant.
Probable cause and a judge’s signature
Define a “vehicle search.”
A search of a car if officers have probable cause to believe it contains evidence.
Which amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures?
The 4th amendement
Officer searches a home without a warrant while suspect is asleep. Legal?
No – violates Fourth Amendment (no consent or exigency).
What is “Inevitable Discovery”?
Evidence that would have been found lawfully anyway can still be admitted.
Why is voluntary consent important?
It makes a search legal without needing a warrant.
Give one reason for an emergency (exigent) search.
To prevent harm, destruction of evidence, or escape of a suspect.
Name one case that strengthened the exclusionary rule.
Mapp v. Ohio
Why can officers search a suspect after arrest?
For officer safety and to prevent destruction of evidence.
Give an example of when the exclusionary rule does NOT apply.
When officers act in good faith believing their search warrant is valid.
Who can give consent to search a shared space?
Any person with authority over that area (e.g., a roommate, property owner).
What kind of search is a “Terry stop”?
A limited pat-down (frisk) for weapons based on reasonable suspicion.
What case allowed vehicle searches with probable cause?
Carroll v. United States
Describe a situation where inevitable discovery applies.
Evidence would have been found by legal means during a lawful search later.