Suburban Law Enforcement Academy (SLEA) BA State Certification Practice Exam

Which court case established the Exclusionary Rule?

1. Mapp v. Ohio

2. Miranda v. Arizona

3. Gideon v. Wainwright

4. Roe v. Wade

The correct answer is: Mapp v. Ohio

The Exclusionary Rule was established by the court case Mapp v. Ohio. This landmark decision extended the rule to state courts, which prohibits the use of evidence obtained through unconstitutional searches and seizures. The case involved the illegal search of Dollree Mapp’s home, where police unlawfully entered and seized materials that were later used against her in court. The Supreme Court ruled that the state could not use evidence obtained in violation of the Fourth Amendment, thereby reinforcing the principle that protection against unreasonable searches and seizures is fundamental to a fair judicial process. Through this case, the judiciary asserted that if law enforcement violates constitutional rights, the evidence discovered cannot be admitted in court, thereby protecting individuals’ rights against government overreach.