The Exclusionary Rule was designed to give police an incentive to avoid violating the 4th Amendment. This rule is controversial because if the evidence is found to be improperly gathered, it is excluded, and the suspect cannot be convicted. The major argument for The Exclusionary Rule is that law-abiding citizens have a stake in police officers doing their job correctly even if it means that sometimes a criminal goes free.
The King v. Jane Warickshall (1783) is the starting point for the 4th Amendment Exclusionary Rule. In the case Jane Warickshall, a British Citizen, confessed that she had received stolen goods from Thomas Littlepage. Consequently, her room was searched and the stolen property was found under her bed. Warickshall appealed the verdict because she was coerced through fear to confess. The court found that while Warickshall's testimony was inadmissible, the property discovered under the bed was admissible in court. This court case was highly controversial...
(The entire section contains 2 answers and 1113 words.)
Unlock This Answer Now
Start your 48-hour free trial to unlock this answer and thousands more. Enjoy eNotes ad-free and cancel anytime.
Already a member? Log in here.