What is the consequence of obtaining evidence without a warrant?

Obtaining evidence without a warrant typically means that the evidence was collected in violation of an individual’s Fourth Amendment rights, which protect against unreasonable searches and seizures. In the context of a legal proceeding, if the court determines that the evidence was obtained illegally, it is likely to be deemed inadmissible in court, which is often referred to as the “exclusionary rule.” This rule is designed to deter law enforcement from conducting unlawful searches and ensures that individuals are protected from arbitrary governmental intrusion.

The rationale behind this rule is rooted in the belief that allowing illegally obtained evidence would undermine the integrity of the judicial system. Therefore, when evidence is collected without a warrant and does not fall under any recognized exceptions (such as exigent circumstances), it faces the strong possibility of being excluded from prosecution, significantly impacting the case's outcome.