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1 month ago in Criminal Procedure By Shubham

Does the exclusionary rule actually stop police from violating the fourth amendment?

The exclusionary rule suppresses illegally obtained evidence. But does it actually deter police misconduct or just punish prosecutors?

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By Akash Answered 1 month ago

The deterrent effect is real, but limited and indirect. It rarely punishes individual officers the evidence is excluded, but the officer faces no personal consequence. Its strength is systemic: police departments train officers and adjust policies to avoid losing cases. The rule signals that violations carry a cost. But studies suggest departmental discipline, civil liability, and professional culture are stronger direct influences on officer behavior. Today, the exclusionary rule's primary justification is often judicial integrity courts shouldn't profit from constitutional violations not pure deterrence.

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