Fruit of the Poisonous Tree Doctrine

The Fruit of the Poisonous Tree Doctrine is a legal principle that prevents evidence gathered from illegal activities from being used in court. If law enforcement obtains evidence through unlawful means, such as an illegal search or coerced confession, that evidence is tainted or "poisonous." Consequently, any additional evidence derived from it, or "fruits" of that evidence, is also inadmissible. This rule aims to discourage law enforcement from violating individuals' rights, ensuring that justice is served fairly and respecting the legal process.