Unlock your path to an A grade with my comprehensive notes on Unit 3 AC3.1 Examine information for validity. Packed with everything you need – textbook insights, lecture materials, and in-depth research featuring real-life case studies and statistics.
What is evidence?
● There are two types of evidence, testimonial and physical
● Whilst evidence in a criminal case is generally reliable, due to the various tests and criteria it must meet, there
are times when we have seen this is not the case
Physical evidence
● Physical evidence is any object or item that has relevance to the crime
● Bias: Physical evidence is seen as unbiased because it does not rely on human perception or interpretation
● Opinion: Despite differing opinions on how evidence was collected, evidence is not affected by opinion
● Currency: If collected and stored correctly, remains unaffected over time so analysis is accurate and current
● Circumstance: There may be multiple explanations for why the evidence was at a scene
● Accuracy: Sometimes the accuracy of physical evidence can the affected by cross-contamination
↳ Adam Scott was falsely charged with rape due to cross-contamination of DNA evidence
Testimonial evidence
● Testimonial evidence, including expert and eyewitness testimony, is often given a lot of weight in court
● Bias: Expert testimony can be influenced by bias, depending on their affiliation with the prosecution
● Opinion: Expert witnesses are entitled to give their opinion however this can often be wrong
↳ Sally Clark was wrongly convicted of murdering her 2 infant sons based on flawed statistics
based on the opinionated testimony of Sir Roy Meadow, a paediatrician. He claims there was a
1 in 73 million chance of 2 children dying from SIDS in the same household
● Currency: Eyewitness testimony tends to be distorted over time and therefore is not current or valid
● Accuracy: EWT is often inaccurate due to weapon focus, memory distortion, leading questions etc.
↳ Ronald Cotton was convicted of rape based on EWT of victim Jennifer, who picked him out of
a photo line-up repeatedly despite his innocence. Heavy weight was put on her testimony
leading to his conviction. It wasn't until 10 years later he was acquitted due to DNA evidence
Case Study - Jeremy Bamber
★ Bamber was convicted of the murder of his adopted parents, sister, and nephews in 1985
Bias: Bamber is portrayed as a sexual predator as he tried to sell topless pictures of his adopted sister Sheila
Opinions: Police officers abolished opinions, one officer said Sheila was ‘angelic’ removing impartiality
Currency: There was a 4-hour gap between the report of the murders and the armed officers going into the house.
Evidence may have been tampered with or contaminated during this time
Circumstances: Over 200 forensic photos were taken at the crime scene to ensure lots of evidence was obtained
Accuracy: Bamber gave false information to the police about his relationship with his adoptive parents
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