What is the fruit of the poisonous tree doctrine?

• A. Evidence obtained illegally is always admissible in court.
• B. Only direct evidence is affected by illegality.
• C. Evidence obtained illegally is usually inadmissible, and any evidence derived from it is tainted, unless an exception.
• D. Illegally obtained evidence can be admitted if the officer had good faith.

Answer: (C)

Fruit of the poisonous tree means that evidence obtained through illegal police action is not admissible, and any further evidence derived from that tainted material is also tainted and generally cannot be used in court. This option is best because it explicitly states both parts: the initial illegality renders evidence inadmissible, and the subsequent evidence that flows from it is tainted unless an exception applies. There are recognized exceptions, such as independent source, inevitable discovery, attenuation, or good faith reliance on a warrant, which can allow tainted evidence to be used in limited circumstances. The other statements are too absolute or incomplete: evidence isn’t always admissible when illegal actions occur, and the rule covers more than just direct evidence; while good faith can be an exception, it’s not an absolute blanket that overrides taint in every case.