Evidence is a crucial part of both the prosecution and the defense. The evidence must be relevant to the case being adjudicated. In addition, evidence cannot stand alone. It may be supported by other evidence, witness statements, victim statements, and the statements of the accused. Considering evidence must never be based on an emotive decision. The evidence must be used to support or refute the claims of both the prosecution and the defense. They must never be based on what the new media reports or what the opinions are of well-known celebrities or politicians. Conclusions can only be considered when the evidence is completely evaluated.
These videos explore various types of evidence and how they are collected. This video explores the collection of physical evidence (MichaelChadBarton, 2009):
Using your reading assignment, the videos above, and what you have learned about evidence, answer the following questions:
- Which of the three types of evidence (real, demonstrative, and circumstantial) do you think is the most effective to the outcome of an investigation?
- Which of the three types of evidence (real, demonstrative, and circumstantial) do you think would have the most impact on a criminal trial?
- Which type of evidence do you think contributes to the elements of a self-defense claim?
