Which rule prohibits the use of improperly gathered evidence in a criminal trial?

• A. Exclusionary Rule
• B. Plain View Doctrine
• C. Field Interview
• D. Domestic Disturbance

Answer: (A)

The Exclusionary Rule prohibits using evidence obtained in violation of a defendant’s constitutional rights. It bars the admission of improperly gathered material to deter unlawful policing and protect due process. While there are exceptions (like good faith or independent source), the rule’s core purpose is to suppress illegally obtained evidence at trial.

The other concepts describe different ideas about how evidence can be collected or seized, not about suppressing improperly gathered evidence. The Plain View Doctrine explains when evidence seen in plain sight during lawful activity can be seized without a warrant. A Field Interview is a police encounter for information, not a suppression rule. Domestic Disturbance refers to a type of incident, not a rule governing evidence admissibility.