Chapter 9 - Crime Scene Inv. - Unit 1- Lesson 1

Question 1

The Florida Evidence Code

Answer 1

the basic concepts and rules of evidence

Question 2

Evidence has three basic functions when offered in court:

Answer 2

• to prove or disprove a crime
• to support or undermine other evidence
• to help determine an appropriate sentence

Question 3

Direct evidence

Answer 3

proves a fact. direct evidence that someone was speeding would be the admission by the driver that they were speeding, speed measurement device results, and testimony from eyewitnesses who saw the driver speeding

Question 4

Indirect or circumstantial evidence

Answer 4

requires an inference or presumption to establish a fact

Example: the defendant entered the victim’s home around the time of
the crime

Question 5

Testimonial evidence

Answer 5

is a witness statement that tends to prove or disprove facts about the case. Testimonial evidence is generally less reliable than physical evidence, because people perceive events differently, do not remember accurately, or lie.

Question 6

Physical or real evidence

Answer 6

refers to actual objects offered to prove or disprove facts about a case

Question 7

Fruits of a crime

Answer 7

are the objects obtained by the defendant because of committing the crime. An example is money stolen by a bank robber.

Question 8

Instrumentalities

Answer 8

the items used by the defendant to commit the crime

Question 9

Contraband

Answer 9

is any property that is illegal for a person to possess

Question 10

Documentary evidence

Answer 10

is anything written or printed that is offered to prove or disprove facts.

Example: bank records, medical records, or a certified copy of a driving history

Question 11

Admissibility of evidence

Answer 11

refers to the legal requirements you must meet before a jury can see or hear about the evidence

Question 12

The admissibility of evidence also depends upon these factors:

Answer 12

• The officer must obtain the evidence legally and preserve it properly.
• The evidence must be relevant to the case.
• The evidence can’t be unfairly prejudicial, confusing, or based on hearsay.

Question 13

Privileged communication

Answer 13

Examples:
* Communication between a sexual assault counselor and a sexual assault victim,
* Communication between a domestic violence advocate and a domestic violence victim.

These interactions are private, protected, and confidential, and their disclosure cannot be forced