Evidence Northern Highlands证据北部高地.pptxVIP

Crime Scene Evidence Two general types of evidence: Testimonial or Direct Evidence Physical or Indirect Evidence Type of Evidence Testimonial evidence is a statement made under oath; also known as direct evidence or prima facie evidence. Physical evidence is any object or material that is relevant in a crime; also known as indirect evidence. Confusing but necessary to know! Eyewitness Testimony Factors that affect accuracy: Nature of the offense and the situation in which the crime is observed Characteristics of the witness Manner in which the information is retrieved Additional factors: Witness’s prior relationship with the accused Length of time between the offense and the identification Any prior identification or failure to identify the defendant Any prior identification of a person other than the defendant by the eyewitness Physical Evidence Common Types of Physical Evidence Drugs/toxins Fibers Paints Soil GSR Glass Firearms and ammunition Blood Impressions (shoe, bite, etc) Bodily fluids Petroleum products Fingerprints Alcohols (especially ethanol) Hair Rubber material Tissues Resins, plastics Pollen Explosive residues Wood material Serial numbers Feathers Documents Bones Tool marks Indirect and Circumstantial Evidence Indirect evidence: evidence providing only a basis for inference about the disputed fact INDIRECT EVIDENCE DOES NOT PROVE A FACT!! Circumstantial evidence: implies a fact or event without actually proving it STRENGTH IN NUMBERS - The more circumstantial evidence there is, the more weight it carries! Analyzing Physical Evidence Requires: Questioned (UNKNOWN) sample Control (KNOWN) sample – for comparison Types of Physical Evidence Transient evidence is temporary; easily changed or lost; usually observed by the first officer at the scene. Pattern evidence is produced by direct contact between a person and an object or between two objects. Conditional evidence is produced by a specific event or action; important in crime scene reconstruction and