What is Evidence?

Learning Target: Classify different types of evidence.

Direct Evidence

Evidence (if true) that proves a fact and can be presented in the courtroom. Actual observation!

Eye witness accountsConfessionsVideos footage (security

cameras, police dash cams, cell phones, etc.)

Circumstantial Evidence

Used to imply a fact but does not directly prove it. The greater volume of circumstantial evidence, the greater chance of linking evidence to a specific suspect.

--Inferring from collected evidence.Physical Evidence Biological Evidence

Types of Circumstantial Evidence

Physical EvidencePrints Impressions Weapons Trace Chemical Documents

Types of Circumstantial Evidence

Biological EvidenceBody fluids HairBonesPollenWood materialsBugs

Badges vs. CoatsBadges - Collect evidence from the crime scene.

Evidence, including the testimony of the witnesses, may be “admitted” in court and considered by the judge or jury in deciding a case ONLY if it is presented according to the rules of evidence.

Coats - Analyze evidence at the lab.

What is NOT Evidence?

Hearsay, anything said by the lawyers, and anything that the judge has determined inadmissible is NOT evidence.