What is a motion to suppress in a court setting?

A motion to suppress is a legal request made by a party in a court setting, typically by a defendant, seeking to exclude certain evidence from being presented during a trial. This often arises when there are concerns that the evidence was obtained in violation of the defendant's constitutional rights, such as through illegal searches or seizures. The primary aim of this motion is to ensure that the evidence in question is not considered in the proceedings, upholding the legal standards and protections afforded to individuals under the law.

For example, if law enforcement obtained evidence without a warrant or probable cause, a motion to suppress would be filed to keep that evidence from influencing the outcome of the trial. The court will then hold a hearing to assess the validity of the motion and determine whether the evidence should indeed be suppressed. This mechanism plays a critical role in protecting defendants' rights and maintaining the integrity of the judicial process.