> But warrants -- prior authorization -- are required for searches.
Required in what sense? In that they're unable to perform those searches by some mechanism preventing them from doing it outright? Or just that there are consequences if they do?
If the latter, we immediately jump into "It's only illegal if I get caught" territory.
Yes, it's true that illegally obtained evidence can be excluded.
But warrants -- prior authorization -- are required for searches. The law is structured to prevent both use and gathering if improper. (Whether warrant practice is effective at prevention is another question.)