"Fruit of the Poisonous Tree"

What is "Fruit of the Poisonous Tree"?

A legal metaphor in the United States used to describe evidence that is obtained illegally. The logic of the terminology is that if the source (the "tree") of the evidence or evidence itself is tainted, then anything gained (the "fruit") from it is tainted as well.

Further Reading

For more detailed information, see our related Constitutional Law terms:

• Mere Suspicion
• "Open Fields" Doctrine

Reviewed by

Stephanie Bagnall

Licensed Attorney and Legal Researcher

Stephanie Bagnall is a Georgia-licensed attorney and legal researcher with experience in accessibility law, compliance, employment law, and legal writing. She helps develop and review BarPrepHero's Legal Terms content for clarity, accuracy, and usefulness to bar exam students.

View Stephanie on LinkedIn