What is the primary purpose of the exclusionary rule in criminal procedure?

The primary purpose of the exclusionary rule is to deter law enforcement from using illegally obtained evidence in court. This legal principle holds that evidence obtained in violation of a person's constitutional rights, particularly under the Fourth Amendment, cannot be used against that person in a criminal trial. The rationale behind this rule is to maintain the integrity of the judicial system by discouraging law enforcement from engaging in unlawful practices, such as unreasonable searches and seizures. By excluding evidence obtained through such violations, the legal system upholds individual rights and promotes adherence to the rule of law. This serves not just as a remedy for individuals whose rights have been violated, but also as an important deterrent that influences police conduct going forward.

Other options do not align with the fundamental purpose of the exclusionary rule; they either suggest a misinterpretation of its intent or advocate for practices that could undermine the rights of individuals under the law.