Notes 1 2 AN INTRODUCTION TO EVIDENCE EVIDENCE

Notes 1. 2 AN INTRODUCTION TO EVIDENCE

EVIDENCE…. can help determine if a crime has occurred (recall Locard’s Exchange Principle) can help to reconstruct a crime scene can link individuals to a crime scene Can Basically link individuals to each other two types: Circumstantial and Direct

COMMON TYPES OF EVIDENCE (X 4) Circumstantial Evidence (1/4) Circumstantial evidence is a series of facts that can be used to infer another fact. suspect found with a large amount of money without being able to give any reason

COMMON TYPES OF EVIDENCE Direct Evidence (2/4) Evidence that stands on its own to demonstrate an alleged fact. Direct “proof” of a fact without inference. testimony by a completely credible witness about what he/she personally saw, heard or did

COMMON TYPES OF EVIDENCE (CAN BE EITHER DIRECT OR CIRCUMSTANTIAL) Physical Evidence (3/4) Physical objects that are linked to the commission of a crime Hair Fingerprints Fibers DNA Recordings Blood, Semen, Saliva Documents Drugs Explosives Firearms/ammunition Glass Impressions Tissues/Organs Paint Petroleum Products Plastic Bags Powder residue Serial numbers Wood and Vegetable Matter

COMMON TYPES OF EVIDENCE Testimonial Evidence (is direct evidence) (4/4) Given by a lay or expert witness The Credibility of the person is extremely important DNA expert Blood spatter expert Ballistics expert Witness to the crime

LINKAGE TRIANGLE The linkage triangle shows the relationship and movement of materials among the crime scene, the victim, and the suspect.

LINKAGE TRIANGLE: CLOSE IT AND SOLVE THE CRIME! Victim Suspect Crime Scene