What does the term "fruit of the poisonous tree" imply?

The term "fruit of the poisonous tree" refers to a legal doctrine in the United States that asserts that evidence obtained through illegal or unlawful means is inadmissible in court. This principle is rooted in the idea that if the source of the evidence (the "tree") is tainted due to illegal actions, then any derivative evidence (the "fruit") is also considered tainted and therefore not usable in legal proceedings.

Essentially, if law enforcement gathers evidence in a manner that violates an individual's rights—such as without a warrant, probable cause, or consent—the resulting evidence cannot be used against the individual in court, regardless of how relevant or incriminating it may be. This doctrine serves to deter illegal conduct by law enforcement and uphold constitutional protections.

In contrast, the other options suggest various scenarios related to the legality or admissibility of evidence but do not align with the core meaning of "fruit of the poisonous tree." The second option accurately encapsulates the essence of this legal principle, making it the correct answer.