What is the term used to describe evidence obtained through illegal police conduct that is inadmissible in court?

The term "Fruit of the Poisonous Tree" refers to a legal doctrine in the United States that prohibits the use of evidence obtained through illegal or unconstitutional means. This principle is rooted in the idea that if the initial evidence (the "tree") was obtained in violation of a defendant’s rights, then any additional evidence derived from that initial tainted evidence (the "fruit") is also inadmissible in court. This doctrine helps to deter law enforcement from engaging in unlawful practices, such as unreasonable searches or coercive interrogations, by ensuring that they cannot benefit from such actions in legal proceedings.

Understanding this principle is crucial for law enforcement officers and legal professionals, as it reinforces the importance of adhering to constitutional rights during investigations. The other options presented do not align with this concept; for instance, "Golden Rule Evidence" is related to jury instructions, "Harmless Error" pertains to minor legal mistakes that do not affect the outcome of a case, and "Exclusionary Evidence" is a less common phrase that may not specifically denote the doctrine in question. Thus, the correct answer encapsulates the legal essence of evidence that is obtained through improper conduct and the repercussions that follow.