Which option best reflects the set of exceptions to the general rule that illegally obtained statements cannot be used?

Which option best reflects the set of exceptions to the general rule that illegally obtained statements cannot be used?

• A. Impeachment
• B. Public safety
• C. Inevitable discovery
• D. All of the above

Answer: (D)

The case hinges on recognizing that the exclusionary rule has recognized exceptions that still permit use of illegally obtained statements in specific situations. The impeachment exception allows a statement obtained illegally to be used to challenge a defendant’s credibility if they testify, rather than to prove the content as truth. The public safety exception to Miranda lets police question and use statements when there is an immediate threat to public safety, even if warnings weren’t given. The inevitable discovery exception permits admission if the same information would have been found lawfully anyway. Since each of these is an established exception, the set of exceptions includes all of them.

The case hinges on recognizing that the exclusionary rule has recognized exceptions that still permit use of illegally obtained statements in specific situations. The impeachment exception allows a statement obtained illegally to be used to challenge a defendant’s credibility if they testify, rather than to prove the content as truth. The public safety exception to Miranda lets police question and use statements when there is an immediate threat to public safety, even if warnings weren’t given. The inevitable discovery exception permits admission if the same information would have been found lawfully anyway. Since each of these is an established exception, the set of exceptions includes all of them.