What is the purpose of the "exclusionary rule" in Georgia?

The purpose of the "exclusionary rule" in Georgia, as well as in broader United States law, is fundamentally to protect the rights of individuals accused of crimes by excluding evidence that has been obtained in violation of their constitutional rights. This rule is grounded in the Fourth Amendment, which guards against unreasonable searches and seizures.

When law enforcement officers obtain evidence without a valid warrant or probable cause, such evidence can compromise the fairness of the judicial process. The exclusionary rule serves as a remedy for such violations, ensuring that illegally obtained evidence cannot be used in court against a defendant. This distinction is crucial — it upholds the integrity of legal proceedings by discouraging unlawful investigative practices.

In contrast, the other options do not reflect the essence of the exclusionary rule. Allowing all evidence to be submitted in court would undermine the protections intended for defendants, while ensuring jurors do not hear conflicting evidence and expediting trial processes do not address the foundational constitutional protections against unlawful search and seizure. Thus, protecting the rights of the accused by excluding unlawfully obtained evidence directly aligns with the primary function of the exclusionary rule in Georgia.