fruit of the poisonous tree
Evidence that has been obtained as the result of an illegal act on the part of law enforcement personnel (such as an unlawful warrantless search, or continued questioning of a witness who has invoked the right of counsel), and which is therefore excluded from being admitted as evidence in a trial.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“The judge threw out the evidence because it was fruit of the poisonous tree.”
“The court rejects this testimony because it is fruit of the poisonous tree.”
“Lawyers often call illegally obtained photos the fruit of the poisonous tree.”
“Because the police searched the house without a warrant, the lawyer argued that the stolen goods were fruit of the poisonous tree.”
“Since the initial phone tap was unauthorized, every piece of information the investigators found later was considered fruit of the poisonous tree.”
“If the officers enter your apartment without permission, any documents they take become fruit of the poisonous tree and cannot be used against you.”
“The defense attorney successfully moved to suppress the confession, arguing that it was fruit of the poisonous tree obtained through an illegal interrogation process.”
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bark up the wrong tree
To take the wrong approach to a situation; to follow a false lead; to attempt to solve a problem using mistaken assumptions about its true nature.
- 02
bear fruit
To produce good results; to yield benefits; to succeed.
- 03
charm the birds from the trees
To behave in a very charming manner.
- 04
Christmas tree bill
A bill consisting of many riders that attracts many, often unrelated, floor amendments, which may provide special benefits to various groups or interests.
- 05
dead tree edition
The physical, printed version of a publication.
- 06
fall out of the ugly tree and hit every branch
To become extremely unattractive.
- 07
forbidden fruit
Illicit pleasure.
- 08
fruit of one's loins
One's child or, collectively, one's children or descendants.
Last updated August 10, 2026