Define: Silver-Platter Doctrine

Silver-Platter Doctrine
Silver-Platter Doctrine
Quick Summary of Silver-Platter Doctrine

In criminal procedure, the silver-platter doctrine permitted a federal court to utilise unlawfully obtained evidence by a state police officer, as long as a federal officer was not involved in or requested the search. Nevertheless, the Supreme Court overturned this doctrine in 1960 during the Elkins v. United States case.

Full Definition Of Silver-Platter Doctrine

The Silver-Platter Doctrine was a principle in criminal procedure that permitted a federal court to accept illegally obtained evidence from a state police officer, as long as a federal officer did not participate in or request the search. For instance, if a state police officer conducted an unlawful search and seizure and discovered incriminating evidence, they could hand over that evidence to federal authorities who could then utilise it in court under the Silver-Platter Doctrine. However, in 1960, the Supreme Court invalidated this doctrine in the case of Elkins v. United States. The Court determined that evidence obtained illegally by state officers could not be used in federal court, even if a federal officer was not involved in the search. Overall, the Silver-Platter Doctrine was a contentious legal principle that allowed for the admission of unlawfully obtained evidence in specific situations, but it has since been overturned by the Supreme Court.

Silver-Platter Doctrine FAQ'S

The Silver-Platter Doctrine was a legal principle that allowed evidence obtained illegally by state law enforcement officers to be admissible in federal court if it was turned over to federal authorities. However, this doctrine was abolished by the Supreme Court in 1960.

The Supreme Court abolished the Silver-Platter Doctrine in the case of Elkins v. United States in 1960. The Court held that the doctrine violated the Fourth Amendment’s prohibition against unreasonable searches and seizures.

No, evidence obtained through illegal means is generally not admissible in court. The exclusionary rule, established by the Supreme Court, prohibits the use of evidence obtained in violation of a person’s constitutional rights.

Yes, the Silver-Platter Doctrine applied to all types of evidence, including physical evidence, witness statements, and confessions.

Yes, the Silver-Platter Doctrine only applied to federal cases. It allowed evidence obtained illegally by state law enforcement officers to be turned over to federal authorities and used in federal court.

Yes, the Silver-Platter Doctrine had limitations. It only applied when state law enforcement officers acted independently of federal authorities and obtained evidence in violation of the Fourth Amendment.

No, the Silver-Platter Doctrine did not have any exceptions. However, after its abolition, some argued for a similar doctrine to be reinstated, but the Supreme Court has not recognized any such exceptions.

No, the Silver-Platter Doctrine only applied to federal court proceedings. State courts were not bound by this doctrine and could still exclude evidence obtained illegally by state law enforcement officers.

No, after the abolition of the Silver-Platter Doctrine, there have been no legal doctrines that allow evidence obtained illegally to be admissible in court.

Currently, evidence obtained illegally is generally not admissible in court. The exclusionary rule remains in place, and any evidence obtained in violation of a person’s constitutional rights is likely to be excluded from trial.

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This site contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. Persuing this glossary does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.

This glossary post was last updated: 17th April 2024.

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