PCI Legal Aspects of Investigations 2

Question 1

The exclusionary rule in U.S. criminal law primarily serves to:

Accepted Answer

Prevent illegally obtained evidence from being used in court

Answer

The exclusionary rule prohibits the use of evidence obtained through unconstitutional government conduct, such as an illegal search or seizure.

Question 2

The 'fruit of the poisonous tree' doctrine extends the exclusionary rule to:

Accepted Answer

Evidence derived from an initial unlawful government action

Answer

The doctrine holds that evidence discovered as a direct result of an illegal search or arrest is also inadmissible, as it stems from the original violation.

Question 3

Under the Fourth Amendment, a 'reasonable expectation of privacy' is LEAST likely to apply to:

Accepted Answer

Items left in plain view on a public sidewalk

Answer

The plain view doctrine holds that individuals have no reasonable expectation of privacy for items exposed to public observation, so law enforcement may seize them without a warrant.

Question 4

A private investigator conducting surveillance on a subject walking in a public park is generally:

Accepted Answer

Legally permissible because there is no reasonable expectation of privacy in public

Answer

Because individuals in public spaces have no reasonable expectation of privacy, private investigators may conduct observations there without a warrant or court order.

Question 5

The Miranda decision (Miranda v. Arizona) requires law enforcement to advise suspects of their rights:

Accepted Answer

Prior to custodial interrogation

Answer

Miranda warnings are constitutionally required only when a suspect is in custody and subject to interrogation, not during general questioning.

(PCI) Professional Certified Investigator Practice Test

(PCI) Professional Certified Investigator Practice Test

PCI Legal Aspects of Investigations 2