What is the primary purpose of the exclusionary rule?

The exclusionary rule is designed primarily to safeguard constitutional rights by preventing the use of evidence that was obtained in violation of a person's Fourth Amendment rights. This rule creates a significant deterrent against unlawful searches and seizures conducted by law enforcement. By excluding evidence that has been gathered in a manner that violates constitutional protections, the legal system seeks to uphold the integrity of the judicial process and discourage police misconduct.

While the other options may touch on aspects of criminal justice, they do not accurately encapsulate the primary function of the exclusionary rule. For instance, punishing criminals is not the focus of this rule; instead, it is about maintaining proper legal procedures. Additionally, the rule does not primarily aim to expedite the legal process, nor does it advocate for the admissibility of all evidence regardless of how it was obtained. Rather, it emphasizes the need for evidence to be acquired lawfully to be considered valid in court.