NCJ Number
193717
Date Published
2001
Length
315 pages
Annotation
This book is a primer for criminal justice, criminology, law, and legal studies.
Abstract
The book is an overview of evidence law -- how it is argued, how it is evaluated, how it is included or excluded, and how trials depend on its content. The book includes definitional parameters, for example: what evidence is, how many types there are, where evidence law comes from, and who has the evidentiary burden to prove or disprove a case. It discusses what types of evidence are real and whether this is the best type of evidence. It also examines demonstrative and documentary evidence. In addition, it reviews the testimony of lay witnesses, who are considered evidentiary sources. The article goes into detail regarding expert evidence and how much power experts have in the adjudication of cases. It examines admissions and stipulations, and their power to improve efficiency in the courtroom, reduce the "trifles and turmoil" of objection and appeal, and eliminate contentiousness. It also examines the relationship between evidence law and motions. The book claims that motions, as varied as the evidentiary subject matter, often make or break a case and support or refute claims in a civil action. Figures, forms, notes, case examples, appendixes, index