Discuss the fundamentals of the Silver platter doctrine and the "fruits of the poisonous tree."

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Silver platter doctrine that allows state authorities to serve up illegally obtained evidence to federal agents to be used in federal court. The practice was ruled unconstitutional in Elkins v. United States. The Supreme Court applied the Fourth Amendment to the states via the due process of clause of the Fourteenth Amendment, it did not extend the exclusionary rule until Mapp v. Ohio. The derivative evidence rule or "fruits of the poisonous tree" an extension of the exclusionary rule. Suppresses any evidence that was predicated or derived from evidence deemed inadmissible due to unconstitutional actions by the state. Also known as the Fruits of the Poisonous Tree Doctrine, it includes the suppression of evidence in the following areas: additional evidence that would not have been discovered; witnesses who might have remained unknown; and, confessions or admissions made under the presentment of illegally obtained evidence. The derivative evidence rule is applicable in a variety of situations, including, but not limited to, the suppression of evidence involving additional evidence that would not have been discovered; witnesses who might have remained unknown; and confessions or admissions made under the presentment of illegally obtained evidence. Thus, the exclusionary rule and its application have had a significant impact upon the administration of justice within American boundaries through the suppression of evidence. Indeed, it is likely that many individuals who were factually guilty were acquitted or had their convictions overturned because of it.