Cognitive Scaffold

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MENTAL MODEL · M3450

Fruit of the Poisonous Tree

Fruit of the Poisonous Tree
BehaviorHigh supportOrganizational Behavior
Included
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Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30

CORE DEFINITION

If the source of evidence (the tree) is illegal (e.g., illegal search, torture), then any derivative evidence (the fruit) obtained from it, even if true, must be excluded and cannot be used as a basis for conviction.

SCAFFOLDING EFFECT

psychology

Reduce cognitive load

Procedural justice takes precedence. In corporate compliance and anti-corruption, it reminds us to focus on the "source of results." If performance is obtained through bribery (the poisonous tree), then the profits derived from that performance (the fruit) are also poisonous and must be severed, otherwise, it will poison the entire organization's values.

anchor

Anchor fast decisions

Derivative evidence (fruit) obtained from an illegal source (tree) is excluded even if true, because procedural contamination spreads.

MINIMUM ACTION

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Source support: Explicit

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    en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fruit_of_the_poisonous_treeZH · Explicit
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