What is the significance of the case "Mapp v. Ohio"?

The case "Mapp v. Ohio" is significant because it established the exclusionary rule at the state level. This landmark decision, issued by the United States Supreme Court in 1961, held that evidence obtained in violation of the Fourth Amendment, which protects against unreasonable searches and seizures, cannot be used in state courts. Prior to this ruling, the exclusionary rule applied primarily to federal law enforcement; Mapp v. Ohio extended this principle to state actions, reinforcing the rights of individuals against unlawful governmental practices.

By implementing this rule, the case aimed to deter law enforcement from conducting warrantless searches and seizing evidence unlawfully, thereby preserving the integrity of the judicial system. This decision highlighted the importance of adhering to constitutional protections in the enforcement of laws, contributing fundamentally to the rights of defendants and the processes of criminal justice.