The American University BCJ 3801 Criminal Evidence and Legal Issues

Presents an examination of the laws governing proof of facts evidence presentation in trials and common law. Students study practical application of the rules of criminal procedure in respect to evidence, burden of proof, presumptions, judicial notice, and the basic functions of courts as the third facet of the criminal justice system.

Learning outcomes

• Evaluate the role of the Fourth Amendment contained in the Bill of Rights and the rules of evidence associated with criminal procedure.
• Identify the four main types of criminal evidence used in trials.
• Evaluate classification of criminal evidence to include relevant, material, competent, contradictory, or collaborative evidence.
• Explain the exclusionary rule in association with criminal procedure and criminal evidence.
• Define secondary evidence, to include when and how it may be used in lieu of primary evidence.
• Assess the role of the Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination.
• Identify types of crime scene searches and how they can vary due to different circumstances and locations.
• Describe evidence collection procedures and why well-written policies are important to this process.
• Discuss the role of competency evaluations in criminal proceedings.
• Interpret the Golden Rule of Evidence and its importance to the integrity of a criminal case.

Prerequisites

None