Which principle is upheld by the exclusionary rule?

The exclusionary rule is a legal principle that prohibits the use of evidence obtained in violation of a person's constitutional rights. Primarily, it serves to protect constitutional rights by ensuring that law enforcement officials adhere to the proper legal procedures when gathering evidence. If evidence is collected in a manner that breaches an individual's Fourth Amendment right against unreasonable searches and seizures or other constitutional protections, that evidence cannot be used against the defendant in a court of law.

The rationale behind the exclusionary rule is to deter police misconduct and protect the integrity of the judicial system. By upholding constitutional rights, the rule seeks to maintain public confidence in the fairness of the legal process, ensuring that individuals are treated justly under the law. This principle is pivotal in balancing the power of the state against individual rights, thereby reinforcing the idea that constitutional protections are paramount in the pursuit of justice.