Fruit of the poisonous tree Meaning in English
expression
Definición
A legal metaphor meaning evidence obtained illegally or improperly is also tainted and cannot be used in court. It refers to anything that comes from an unlawful source being considered invalid.
Uso & Matices
Strictly a legal term, mainly used in U.S. law contexts. Usually refers to criminal evidence but can apply to any case with improperly obtained proof. Rare in daily speech; used in legal discussions, journalism, or academic writing.
Oraciones de Ejemplo
Any evidence found using illegal means is called fruit of the poisonous tree.
basic
The judge ruled that the confession was fruit of the poisonous tree.
basic
If the police break the law to get evidence, it is considered fruit of the poisonous tree.
basic
Because the search was illegal, everything they found was fruit of the poisonous tree.
natural
The lawyer argued that the phone records were fruit of the poisonous tree and should be thrown out.
natural
Don’t forget, any new evidence connected to an illegal search is still fruit of the poisonous tree.
natural