Police Entrance Practice Exam

Which Supreme Court case established the "exclusionary rule"?

1. Miranda v. Arizona

2. Gideon v. Wainwright

3. Mapp v. Ohio

4. Roe v. Wade

The correct answer is: Mapp v. Ohio

The establishment of the "exclusionary rule" is attributed to the case of Mapp v. Ohio. This landmark decision held that evidence obtained in violation of the Fourth Amendment, which protects against unreasonable searches and seizures, cannot be used in state courts. The Court extended the exclusionary rule, which was originally established in federal courts, to apply to state courts, thereby reinforcing the rights of individuals against unlawful police conduct. This ruling is significant as it emphasizes the importance of constitutional protections within the judicial system, ensuring that wrongful actions by law enforcement do not lead to convicting individuals based on illegally obtained evidence. By applying the exclusionary rule at the state level, the Supreme Court sought to deter police misconduct and uphold the integrity of the judicial process.