Constitutional Exclusion

In Constitutional Exclusion, James J. Tomkovicz discusses the "exclusionary rules" which prevent evidence of a criminal defendant's guilt from being introduced at trial, and which incite strong, often hostile reactions from the public. The understandable antipathy toward evidentiary suppression is, to some extent, attributable to misunderstanding of the reasons why our legal system suppresses probative evidence of guilt. Professor Tomkovicz describes and discusses the natures and the...
More Description

In Constitutional Exclusion, James J. Tomkovicz discusses the "exclusionary rules" which prevent evidence of a criminal defendant's guilt from being introduced at trial, and which incite strong, often hostile reactions from the public. The understandable antipathy toward evidentiary suppression is, to some extent, attributable to misunderstanding of the reasons why our legal system suppresses probative evidence of guilt. Professor Tomkovicz describes and discusses the natures and the purposes of the seven different constitutional exclusion mandates. The in-depth examinations and analyses of exclusionary rule histories, foundations, objectives, and doctrines found in the book dispel some of the critical misconceptions and flawed assumptions that surround the rules and that prevent appreciation of their significant roles in enforcing fundamental rights. It is essential reading for anyone interested in the delicate balance our Bill of Rights strikes between freedom and order, between liberty and security.