Fourth Amendment & the Exclusionary Rule

Flashcards covering key concepts related to the Fourth Amendment, the Exclusionary Rule, and important Supreme Court cases.

Fourth Amendment

Protects individuals from unreasonable searches and seizures.

Exclusionary Rule

A legal rule that excludes otherwise truthful and reliable evidence from being presented in court if obtained in violation of the Fourth Amendment.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the US Constitution that outline the rights of individuals and limit government power.

Due Process Clause

Part of the Fourteenth Amendment that prohibits states from depriving any person of life, liberty, or property without due process of law.

Incorporation

The process by which the Supreme Court applies the Bill of Rights to the states through the Fourteenth Amendment.

Search Warrant

A legal document authorizing a police officer to search a premises and seize evidence.

Probable Cause

A reasonable basis for believing that a crime may have been committed, necessary for obtaining a search warrant.

Neutral and Detached Magistrate

A judge who is impartial and not involved in the investigation, responsible for issuing search warrants.

Mapp v. Ohio

A landmark case that applied the exclusionary rule to state courts through the Fourteenth Amendment.

Good Faith Exception

A legal doctrine stating that evidence obtained by police acting in good faith reliance on a faulty warrant may still be admissible in court.