What is a fundamental characteristic of the "exclusionary rule"?

The exclusionary rule is fundamentally designed to protect civil liberties, particularly the Fourth Amendment rights against unreasonable searches and seizures. By disallowing the use of evidence obtained in violation of these rights, the rule aims to deter law enforcement from conducting illegal searches and to uphold the integrity of the judicial process. This is crucial because it reinforces the principle that the government must respect individual rights, ensuring that citizens are protected from intrusive governmental actions. The exclusionary rule thus plays a pivotal role in balancing the powers of law enforcement with the rights of individuals, making the protection of civil liberties the correct interpretation of its fundamental characteristic.

Other options may suggest misunderstandings about the nature or scope of the exclusionary rule. The rule does not allow all evidence to be used in trials, nor does it apply solely in civil cases or mandate evidence sharing, which would contradict its primary purpose of safeguarding individual rights in the criminal justice context.