Question

In: Accounting

Discuss the rules of evidence.

Discuss the rules of evidence.

Solutions

Expert Solution

Definition of Evidence

In legal terms, evidence covers the burden of proof, admissibility, relevance, weight and sufficiency of what should be admitted into the record of a legal proceeding. Evidence -- crucial in both civil and criminal proceedings -- may include blood or hair samples, video surveillance recordings, or witness testimony. The Federal Rules of Evidence govern the admissibility of evidence in federal trials, but state rules of evidence are largely modeled after the federal rules.

If evidence is procured illegally, such as during an unlawful police search, then that evidence (and any other evidence it leads to) may not be used at trial. Evidence that is deemed irrelevant or prejudicial to a case also may be deemed inadmissible. Additionally, evidence may be thrown out if the integrity of its handling ("chain of custody") is in doubt.

There are four general types of evidence:

  1. Real evidence (tangible things, such as a weapon)

  2. Demonstrative (a model of what likely happened at a given time and place)

  3. Documentary (a letter, blog post, or other document)

  4. Testimonial (witness testimony)

Terms to Know

  • Circumstantial Evidence: Evidence that tends to prove a factual matter by proving other events or circumstances from which the occurrence of the matter can be reasonably inferred.
  • Corroborating Evidence: Evidence that is independent of and different from but that supplements and strengthens evidence already presented as proof of a factual matter.
  • Hearsay: A statement made out of court and not under oath which is offered as proof that what is stated is true (usually deemed inadmissible).
  • Exclusionary Rule: A rule of evidence that excludes or suppresses evidence obtained in violation of a defendant's constitutional rights.

Related Solutions

Rules of Evidence Under the rules of evidence, a judge may exclude relevant evidence for a...
Rules of Evidence Under the rules of evidence, a judge may exclude relevant evidence for a variety of reasons. Which of the following is a situation where a judge can refuse to admit relevant evidence? The evidence is unduly prejudicial The evidence is hypothetical The evidence might be offensive The evidence is narrative ________________ is defined as anything perceptible by the fives senses and any proof legally presented at trial to prove a contested issue and induce a belief in...
The collection of system forensics evidence is governed by the general rules of criminal evidence. As...
The collection of system forensics evidence is governed by the general rules of criminal evidence. As such, it is subject to a number of well-established and formal steps. As a pervasive form of communication and commerce, e-mail also presents many opportunities to facilitate criminal activities. You have been hired to help investigate a computer crime. Respond the questions given using the scenario below. A classic phishing attempt. Mark received an e-mail plea asking for his assistance in retrieving funds from...
1) Under the Federal Rules of Evidence, a person cannot be qualified as an expert witness...
1) Under the Federal Rules of Evidence, a person cannot be qualified as an expert witness in court unless that person holds a degree from a recognized academic institution and has at least five years of experience in his field. True False 2) If the evidence clearly shows that a suspect has committed a crime, it is permissible for a Certified Fraud Examiner to testify that the suspect is guilty of that crime. True False
Although Latin America countries have been relying on fiscal rules, there is ample evidence that incumbents...
Although Latin America countries have been relying on fiscal rules, there is ample evidence that incumbents engage in what we call political budget cycles. That is, increasing fiscal deficit to boost the economy before elections in order to appear competent and therefore increase the chances of being re-elected. Do you think the legislature has a role? Which fiscal rules do you propose to eliminate the political budget cycles in Latin America? Hints: 1) you can review the US states fiscal...
why do governments still bend rules to protect their domestic interests despite evidence that shows that...
why do governments still bend rules to protect their domestic interests despite evidence that shows that freeing up trade and investment is far more beneficial? Why is government protection of domestic industries 'self-defeating" ?
1-Describe the historical development and the constitutional rules that govern evidence. 2-Explain what Search and Seizure...
1-Describe the historical development and the constitutional rules that govern evidence. 2-Explain what Search and Seizure is and what constitutional protections and limitations exist within our legal system. 3-Explain what privileged communication is and the different types in our legal system. 4-Explain what the difference is between a Lay Witness and an Expert Witness. 5-What is a Confession and an Admission, and what are the differences within the law? 6-What is written evidence and the legal requirements needed to present...
1. Discuss what the term audit evidence means and explain the need for audit evidence. Explain...
1. Discuss what the term audit evidence means and explain the need for audit evidence. Explain what sufficiency means in terms of audit evidence. Explain what appropriateness including relevance and reliability mean in terms of audit evidence. 2. What does trust but verify mean in regard to audit evidence? Explain how audit evidence is verified. Discuss audit evidence gathering procedures. 3. What is the nature and rationale for audit documentation? Explain the structure of audit documentation. Give an example of...
Discuss how evidence-based management and evidence-based medicine can be used by a board to improve quality...
Discuss how evidence-based management and evidence-based medicine can be used by a board to improve quality and patient safety?
What is evidence-based decision making? Give an example. Discuss the three ways in which evidence can...
What is evidence-based decision making? Give an example. Discuss the three ways in which evidence can be used in decision making, and describe when the use of evidence is appropriate.
Discuss the sources of tax law in the UK, considering that the basic rules of the...
Discuss the sources of tax law in the UK, considering that the basic rules of the UK tax system have been established from several sources.
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT