CORPUS DELICTI

• NCJ Number: 17750
• Author(s): ANON
• Date Published: 1974
• Length: 0 pages
• Sponsoring Agency: National District Atorneys Assoc
• Corporate Author: Woroner Films
• Sale Source: MTI; Not Available Through National Institute of Justice/NCJRS Document Loan Program
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: *This document is currently unavailable from NCJRS. 17 MINUTES, COLOR, 1974 RENTAL AVAILABLE COURTS

Annotation

PRIMARILY A TRAINING FILM FOR PROSECUTORS, THIS FILM DEVELOPS THE CONCEPT OF CORPUS DELECTI IN A TRIAL SITUATION.

Abstract

THE FILM BEGINS AS A JEALOUS HUSBAND (VICTIM) BURSTS INTO THE BUSINESS OFFICE OF A FRIEND (DEFENDANT) ACCUSING HIM OF HAVING AN AFFAIR WITH THE VICTIM'S WIFE. HUSBAND SHOUTS THREAT, AND REACHES INTO HIS BRIEFCASE. THE DEFENDANT ASSUMES THAT THE JEALOUS HUSBAND IS REACHING FOR A WEAPON. THE DEFENDANT PULLS HIS OWN GUN FROM DESK DRAWER AND SHOOTS HUSBAND. THE ON-SCENE INVESTIGATION RESULTS IN THE ARREST OF THE DEFENDANT. TRIAL DEVELOPS CONCEPT OF CORPUS DELICTI TIMING OF CONFESSION, ESTABLISHMENT OF VENUE, NEED TO PROVE CORPUS DELICTI INDEPENDENT OF CONFESSION, SHOWING THAT LOSS OR INJURY RESULTING FROM A CRIMINAL ACT (HOMICIDE IN THIS CASE) MUST BE PROVEN BEYOND A REASONABLE DOUBT.