Demonstrative Evidence And Circumstantial Evidence

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Introduction In a criminal investigation, evidence is the key to the existence of facts or circumstances that can determine the innocence or guilt of an accused during a criminal investigation and trial. There are several categories of evidence that are significant in a criminal investigation, but differ in their forms. These include physical evidence, demonstrative evidence, direct evidence and circumstantial evidence. In this presentation the major types of evidence will be defined, how they are important to an investigation, how they help the triers of fact determine what is credible, and whether overwhelming circumstantial evidence is enough to obtain a conviction. Real evidence or physical evidence is relevant tangible items found …show more content…

This form of evidence needs to be unobjectionable, fair and must accurately recount the witness’s testimony. The probative value of the demonstrative evidence should sufficiently prove something, without creating prejudice in the jury’s minds that would result in an unfair trial for the defendant. Examples of this form of evidence include diagrams of the crime scene including location of physical evidence, position of the victim, sketches, charts, maps, models, reenactments, and other visual aids (Hinderaker & McFarland, …show more content…

(2010, January). Documenting the Crime Scene. An Introduction to Crime Scene Investigation., 8(1). Retrieved from http://www.evidencemagazine.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=184
Hinderaker, A. & McFarland, I. (2015, June). Demonstrative Evidence under the Rules: The Admissible and Inadmissible. Retrieved from https://www.merchantgould.com/News-Room/Articles/85803/Demonstrative-Evidence-Under-the-Rules-The-Admissable-and-Inadmissable
McShane, J. (2010, April). Physical Evidence is Often the Most Important Evidence. Retrieved from http://www.thetruthaboutforensicscience.com/physical-evidence-is-often-the-most-important-evidence/
M.U.S.E. (2017). Circumstantial Evidence. Retrieved from https://class.aiu-online.com/_layouts/MUSEViewer/Asset.aspx?MID=9011035&aid=9011055
Smith, M. (2011, May). Why Trial Attorneys Need to Know Computer “Animations” Vs. “Simulations” for Evidence. Retrieved from http://cogentlegal.com/blog/2011/05/computer-animations-vs-simulations-for-evidence/
Yeshion, T. (n.d.). The Myths of Circumstantial Evidence. Retrieved from

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