What does the Exclusionary Rule pertain to in the context of criminal law?

The Exclusionary Rule is a legal principle that mandates that evidence obtained in violation of a person's constitutional rights cannot be used against them in a court of law. This rule is primarily aimed at deterring law enforcement from conducting illegal searches and seizures, thereby upholding the Fourth Amendment protection against unreasonable searches.

When evidence is collected without proper legal procedures—such as without a warrant or probable cause—this rule ensures that such evidence cannot be presented during trial, reinforcing the idea that the ends do not justify the means when it comes to law enforcement practices. This principle is foundational in maintaining the integrity of the judicial system and protecting individual rights.

In the context of the other choices, while search warrants do relate to the legality of evidence collection, they do not encompass the broader implications of the Exclusionary Rule itself. Witness testimonies can be challenged in court, but the Exclusionary Rule specifically targets evidence rather than the reliability or admissibility of witness accounts. Reading rights pertains to the Miranda warning requirement, which is also crucial but distinct from the issue of evidence admissibility. Thus, option C is directly aligned with the purpose and implications of the Exclusionary Rule.