What does “unlawfully obtained evidence” mean in legal terms?

The term "unlawfully obtained evidence" refers specifically to evidence that has been procured in violation of laws or rights. This could include evidence collected without a proper warrant, evidence obtained through coercion or threats, or evidence gathered in violation of an individual’s rights to privacy. Such evidence is typically deemed inadmissible in court proceedings because it violates legal standards designed to protect the rights of individuals.

Understanding this definition is crucial, as it highlights the underlying principle in many legal systems that evidence must be gathered lawfully to be considered credible and justifiable in legal proceedings. Therefore, options that suggest evidence is admissible regardless of how it was obtained, or that it must strictly arise from witness testimony, do not accurately reflect the definition of unlawfully obtained evidence.