What principle does the "fruit of the poisonous tree" doctrine illustrate?

The "fruit of the poisonous tree" doctrine illustrates that if evidence is obtained through illegal means, any subsequent evidence derived from that initial tainted evidence is also considered inadmissible in court. This principle serves as a safeguard against unlawful searches and seizures, emphasizing that law enforcement cannot benefit from evidence that is connected to constitutional violations. If the original source of evidence is deemed illegitimate—perhaps obtained without a warrant or through coercion—then any additional evidence that stems from that source is likewise tainted and cannot be used in a legal proceeding. This doctrine upholds the integrity of the judicial process by discouraging illegal investigative practices and ensuring that only evidence gathered through lawful means can support a case in court.