New York Correctional Officer (CO) Peace Officer Practice Exam 2025 – The Complete Prep Guide for Exam Success!

The exclusionary rule is primarily associated with the 4th Amendment to the United States Constitution, which protects individuals from unreasonable searches and seizures. This rule serves to ensure that evidence obtained in violation of an individual's constitutional rights cannot be used in court. The rationale behind the exclusionary rule is to deter law enforcement from conducting illegal searches and to uphold the integrity of the judicial process by preventing the use of tainted evidence.

While the 1st Amendment addresses the freedom of speech and religion, the 5th Amendment pertains to rights related to due process and self-incrimination, and the 8th Amendment focuses on preventing excessive bail and cruel and unusual punishment, none of these amendments are concerned with the admissibility of evidence in the context of searches and seizures. Thus, the 4th Amendment is the correct foundation for the exclusionary rule, as it directly relates to the protection of citizens from unlawful governmental actions.