fruit of the poisonous tree

fruit of the poisonous tree

English

Pronunciation

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Noun

fruit of the poisonous tree (plural fruits of the poisonous tree)

1. (US, law, idiomatic) Evidence that has been obtained as the result of an illegal act on the part of law enforcement personnel (such as a warrantless search, or continued questioning of a witness who has invoked the right of counsel), and which is therefore excluded from being admitted as evidence in a trial.

See also

• exclusionary rule