The Impact of the Exclusionary Rule
Alexander S. Talley
Tarleton State University
CRIJ 3315-810
Mr. William Heath
THE IMPACT OF THE EXCLUSIONARY RULE 2
Introduction
At all levels of the criminal justice system one thing remains paramount for the
effectiveness of the system, the integrity of evidence gathered during investigation. Law
enforcement agents are tasked with collecting evidence against a suspected offender.
Prosecutors and defense attorneys then use this evidence to either indicate guilt or innocence
respectively of the accused. Judges and juries then analyze the evidence presented in court to
reach a verdict of guilt or innocence. However, only evidence collected legally makes it into the
courtroom. The goal of law enforcement is to ensure that evidence gathered is done so in a legal
manner, so the evidence can be used in court to prosecute the accused. Evidence not collected
legally is excluded from court cases, under the exclusionary rule. Discussion will begin by
