NCJ Number
144675
Date Published
1992
Length
360 pages
Annotation
This is a comprehensive introduction to criminal evidence for criminal justice personnel and students with no legal background.
Abstract
All evidentiary topics that commonly occur during the course of criminal justice proceedings are covered. The early chapters present the American legal system--its history, roles, and processes--and new trends such as the expanded use of hearsay at preliminary hearings. The text moves on to basic concepts of evidence such as relevance, direct evidence, circumstantial evidence, testimonial evidence, real evidence, stipulation, judicial notice, and presumption; then focuses on direct and circumstantial evidence. Following are chapters on witnesses; privileges; detention; arrest; searches; real (crime scene and documentary) evidence; self-incrimination; identification procedures; preparation for court; and an in-depth look at hearsay. Five chapters are devoted to relevant constitutional issues; U.S. Supreme Court decisions through June 15, 1992 are covered. Each chapter closes with study items, key terms, and references. Figures, glossary, subject index, and 43 references