The Exclusionary Rule and how it is meant to protect citizens
The concept of the Fruit of the Poisonous Tree Doctrine stems directly from the Exclusionary Rule. It is a method of explaining the concept of the Exclusionary Rule. It compares the Exclusionary Rule to a Tree that is poisonous and all of the fruit from that tree is also poison. The tree represents actions by law enforcement that are not appropriate and violate the 4th Amendment. Any fruit, which represents the evidence seized as a result of inappropriate actions by authorities is considered “poisonous” and not admissible in the court proceeding.
Describe the Exclusionary Rule and how it is meant to protect citizens of this country.
Identify at least 2 methods of demonstrative evidence that would explain the concept of best evidence. You may use scenarios to describe the theory of best evidence.
Explain the need for an absolute adherence to avoiding any evidentiary issue that would result in a Fruit of the Poisonous Tree violation (4th Amendment).
Explain the court's displeasure with issues like the Christian Burial Speech. What might it mean in the long run to a serious case just as it did with Brewer v. Williams?
Sample Solution
The Exclusionary Rule is a legal doctrine in the United States that prohibits the use of evidence obtained from an illegal search or seizure. It is seen as a way to protect citizens’ constitutional rights under the Fourth Amendment, which guards against unreasonable searches and seizures by the government. The exclusionary rule was established by Supreme Court case Weeks v. United States (1914). This case ruled that evidence obtained without a legitimate warrant should be excluded from trial, and this exclusion still applies today.
Two methods of demonstrative evidence that would help explain the concept of best evidence are photographs and video recordings/footage. For example, if police officers responded to a crime scene they could take photos or videos of what they saw at the time they arrived as it can provide better insight into what happened than written documents alone can provide. Additionally, if one party in court were to try and prove something happened with testimony alone, then photographs or videos would be able to back up their claims much more effectively than just words on paper could do so.
In order for courts to not violate someone's Fourth Amendment rights with a Fruit of The Poisonous Tree violation there needs to be an absolute adherence on behalf of those participating in court proceedings (including both lawyers) in avoiding any issues surrounding illegality during arrests or search warrants being discussed during trial. If these details do get mentioned it opens up the possibility for jurors hearing prohibited information regarding how law enforcement got involved in a case might place bias on their decision-making process as well as spark off further questions about why certain procedures weren't adequately followed when collecting evidence from suspects or locations related to cases being presented before them - thus potentially leading precedent-setting decisions towards new interpretations of existing laws being revealed through court rulings made afterwards based upon such disclosures occurring within trials themselves; which violates constitutional principles underpinning our justice system - making it essential for everyone involved with trials adhere strictly observational rules made necessary guarantee 4th amendment protections remain intact for all Americans no matter their standing society at large so long we live country governed by civil liberties afforded us Constitution originally ratified 1787 - which brings us Christian Burial Speech Brewer Williams 1967 decision dealing topic sermon given convicted murderer spend hour casket body young girl murdered asked police escort witness exceptionally emotional event officer driven car sat quiet solemnly listening until suspect cracked confided previous crimes done leading conviction serious charges many years later Supreme Court reviewed judge ruled speech used coerce confession therefore render statement admissible during proceedings violating 4th amendment ruling overturned set stage cases decade cover range criminal acts dealt due improper handling evidence collected authorities standards still imposed day maintain integrity judicial systems allow individuals fair shot defend themselves actions taken part solving problem mean better outcomes future similar scenarios thanks reliable protocols followed prosecution side bring those accused guilty beyond reasonable doubt security granted equal protection under law everyone regardless gender race ethnicity religious beliefs etc