What are the types of evidence that can be presented in court?
This includes physical evidence (e.g., weapons, fingerprints), documentary evidence (e.g., records, contracts), testimonial evidence (witnesses), and demonstrative evidence (e.g., photos, charts).
What is the difference between direct and circumstantial evidence?
Direct evidence directly proves a fact (e.g., eyewitness testimony), while circumstantial evidence requires an inference to establish a fact (e.g., fingerprints at a crime scene).
What is the chain of custody and why is it important?
Chain of custody refers to the documented history of evidence from collection to presentation in court. Its integrity ensures evidence hasn’t been tampered with or altered. How does forensic evidence feature in criminal cases?
Forensic evidence, whether DNA, ballistic analysis, or toxicology reports, is extremely important in establishing a link between a suspect and a crime scene or victim.
Read Also:
- https://legalpulse360.com/6-questions-and-answers-about-criminal-appeals/
- https://legalpulse360.com/20-frequently-asked-questions-about-sentencing-guidelines/
- https://legalpulse360.com/8-questions-about-criminal-prosecution-explained/
What is the meaning of “probative value” in criminal evidence?
Probative value means how much a given piece of evidence can prove or disprove something relevant to the case. Strong probative value means the evidence has a high impact on the case.
Rules for Admissibility of Evidence
Evidence needs to satisfy the legal requirements that include relevance, reliability, and compliance with the legal process; for example, the Federal Rules of Evidence in the U.S.
What are the exceptions to the exclusionary rule?
The exclusionary rule generally prohibits illegally obtained evidence from being used in court, but there are exceptions, such as the “good faith” exception. How does the concept of hearsay affect criminal evidence?
Hearsay is an out-of-court statement offered to prove the truth of the matter asserted. In most cases, hearsay is inadmissible, with several exceptions. What is the role of eyewitness testimony in criminal evidence?
Eyewitness testimony can be incredibly powerful but very prone to human memory and perception errors. Judges and courts regularly consider its reliability and consistency.
How do experts contribute to criminal evidence?
The expert witnesses such as forensic scientists, psychologists, or medical examiners provide a specialized knowledge on the interpretation of complex evidence outside the understanding of the jury.
