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The exclusionary rule is a legal principle that prevents the use of evidence in a trial if that evidence was obtained in violation of the defendant's constitutional rights, particularly through illegal searches and seizures. The rule is primarily rooted in the Fourth Amendment, which protects individuals from unreasonable searches and seizures. When evidence is obtained illegally—such as through warrantless searches or without probable cause—it cannot be admissible in court to ensure that law enforcement adheres to legal standards and respects individuals' rights. This serves as a critical check on police power, aims to deter unlawful behavior by authorities, and upholds the integrity of the judicial process.

Options relating to suppressing evidence obtained through legal means, forbidding plea bargains, or excluding witnesses from the courtroom do not align with the focus of the exclusionary rule, which specifically addresses scenarios involving the unlawful acquisition of evidence.