Stephen Chapman`s defense of the exclusionary rule (June 23) is well-intended, but appears to ignore common sense. Mr. Chapman, in the company of many legal professionals, is willing to let truth and justice slip away in his effort to protect the rights of citizens.
They wish to throw out evidence obtained illegally, and they do not seem interested in prosecuting those who violate search and seizure laws.
Why not use all available evidence, no matter how it was obtained? It is, after all, evidence, and it does help get at the truth.
Why not prosecute law enforcement officials and others who break the law when they collect evidence illegally? We attempt to enforce all our other laws this way, don`t we?
Victims of illegal searches could be compensated if such searches failed to uncover evidence resulting in a conviction.
