fruit of the poisonous tree
📖 generalMeaning
(Legal term) Evidence that has been obtained illegally or as a result of an illegal act, and is therefore usually inadmissible in court.
Literal Meaning
The produce of a tree that is toxic. (The 'tree' is the initial illegal act, and the 'fruit' is the evidence derived from it).
Example
“The defense successfully argued that the confession was fruit of the poisonous tree because it was obtained without a warrant.”