Mere-Evidence Rule Law and Legal Definition
Mere-evidence rule is an old legal principle followed in criminal procedure. According to the rule, a search warrant can be issued only to seize instruments or weapons of crime, and not to seize items that have mere evidentiary value. However, this rule was abolished by the Supreme Court in Warden, Maryland Penitentiary v. Hayden, 387 U.S. 294 (U.S. 1967). Accordingly, now search and seizure of all items of criminal evidence can be done with a warrant for the same.
