This document discusses different types of evidence that can be used in criminal investigations and trials. It outlines that evidence must be competent, properly collected, identified, filed, saved, and have a clear chain of custody. There are many types of evidence including physical, direct, indirect, trace, prima facie, associative, corpus delicti, probative, and exculpatory evidence. When presenting evidence in court, the chain of custody from collection to presentation must be clearly documented and explained. Scientific evidence standards for admissibility were established in Frye v. US and Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals.
2. Evidence
• Must be competent: Properly
-collected
-identified
-filed
-saved
-chain of custody
3. Evidence
• Types:
-Physical-anything real
-Direct-establishes proof of fact w/o other evidence’
-Indirect-tends to incriminate (circumstantial)
Trace-cannot be seen with naked eye
Prima facie-established by law
Associative-links suspect with crime
Corpus delicti-supports elements of crime
Probative-proves guilt
Exculpatory-proves innocence
Material-legitimate influence on case
Relevant-applies to matter in question
4. Evidence
• Presenting in court:
Chain of custody:
-identify evidence found at crime scene
-document where found
-establish custody from discovery to present location
-voluntarily explain any changes occurring in evidence
