What was the ruling in Mapp v. Ohio regarding the exclusionary rule?

The ruling in Mapp v. Ohio established that the exclusionary rule, which prevents the use of evidence obtained in violation of the Fourth Amendment, applies at the state level. This landmark case extended the exclusionary rule beyond federal contexts, thereby enforcing the protections guaranteed by the Fourth Amendment against unreasonable searches and seizures for state actions as well. Prior to this case, the exclusionary rule was only recognized in federal courts, but the Supreme Court's decision in Mapp v. Ohio determined that states must also adhere to this standard, ensuring that individuals' constitutional rights are protected regardless of whether the legal proceedings are at the federal or state level. This had significant implications for law enforcement practices and the rights of defendants in state criminal cases, reinforcing the importance of upholding constitutional protections across the board.