NCJ Number
156160
Date Published
1995
Length
253 pages
Annotation
This book aims to educate police and other agents of criminal justice about the process by which evidence reaches the courtroom and how it is presented there.
Abstract
Each chapter include objectives, a case studies section, and a list of related projects. The introductory chapter discusses the refinement of evidence for use in criminal proceedings, highlights the importance of the admissibility of evidence, and describes the doctrine of presumed innocence and the requirement of proof beyond a reasonable doubt. The book discusses principles of legal research, the role of the prosecutor and defense counsel in criminal proceedings, and various types of testimony and witnesses who may be presented during a trial. Subsequent chapters discuss hearsay evidence, opinion evidence, articles and exhibits of evidence, direct versus circumstantial evidence, the exclusionary rule, evidence obtained during arrests or searches and seizures, confessions and admissions, discovery and disclosure, and evidence from electronic surveillance. The final chapters cover the defense case and the appeals process. 6 illustrations