What type of evidence is deemed inadmissible under the exclusionary rule?

The exclusionary rule serves to protect individuals' constitutional rights by excluding evidence that has been obtained in violation of their rights, specifically the Fourth Amendment's protection against unreasonable searches and seizures. When evidence is found during an illegal search—one that lacks probable cause, a warrant, or does not fit within recognized exceptions to the warrant requirement—such evidence is considered tainted and, therefore, inadmissible in court. This rule is crucial in discouraging law enforcement from conducting unlawful searches and helps maintain the integrity of the judicial process by ensuring that parties do not benefit from illegal actions.