Lecture notes
AC2.1-Ac2.5 notes
- Module
- Crime Scene to Courtroom
- Institution
- WJEC
Lecture notes of 6 pages for the course Crime Scene to Courtroom at WJEC (A* achieved)
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AC2.4 - Assess the key influences affecting the outcomes of criminal casesEvidence:
Evidence has a significant impact on the outcome of a criminal case as it serves as the basis for the jury's
verdict.
For evidence to be acceptable, it must meet certain criteria, including being probative, not prejudicial,
relevant, accurate, coherent, and provable.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) must be convinced that there is enough evidence for a case to proceed
successfully before it goes to court.
Both physical and testimonial evidence can be presented in court, with the prosecution attempting to prove
the defendant's guilt and the defence challenging the prosecution's case.
The prosecution must satisfy the jury or magistrates that the defendant is guilty "beyond a reasonable
doubt" on all counts to secure a conviction.
Role/Explanation:
Evidence in criminal cases plays a pivotal role in determining a defendant's guilt or innocence. It provides a
factual basis for the legal proceedings.
The admissibility and credibility of evidence are crucial. Probative evidence supports the claims made in
court, while prejudicial evidence may unfairly bias the jury against the defendant.
The role of the CPS is to evaluate the evidence and determine whether there is a strong case for prosecution.
Their decision significantly influences whether a case proceeds to trial.
Physical evidence, such as DNA, fingerprints, and other forensic evidence, is used to link a suspect to a crime.
Testimonial evidence, provided by witnesses, adds a human element to the case.
The prosecution must convince the jury beyond a reasonable doubt of the defendant's guilt, underscoring
the importance of compelling and credible evidence.
Case Studies:
Barry George: The Court of Appeal decided that forensic evidence was likely to have influenced the jury and
judge, rendering the conviction unsafe. This case demonstrates the critical role of forensic evidence and its
potential to impact the outcome of a case.
Colin Pitchfork: Colin Pitchfork's case is another example of how forensic evidence played a pivotal role in his
conviction for the rape and murder of two teenage girls. His eventual exoneration through DNA evidence
highlights the significance of credible evidence.
Amanda Knox: The Amanda Knox trial featured DNA evidence that was central to the case. However, the
reliability of this evidence was widely debated. This case demonstrates the potential impact of DNA evidence
and the need for its credibility to be rigorously assessed.
Application of Criminal Courtroom Case Study & Impact:
The case of Barry George demonstrates the critical role of forensic evidence in influencing the outcome of a
trial. In his case, the Court of Appeal recognized that forensic evidence had a substantial impact on the jury
and judge, leading to a reconsideration of his conviction.
Colin Pitchfork's case underscores how the introduction of DNA evidence can impact a case. His exoneration
following the re-evaluation of DNA evidence highlights the significance of using accurate and credible
evidence in criminal proceedings.
The Amanda Knox trial showcases the complex nature of DNA evidence and its potential to sway the
outcome of a case. The debate surrounding the credibility of the DNA evidence illustrates the critical role of
science in the courtroom and the need for thorough examination.
The Media:
Role/Explanation:
The media disseminates information about criminal cases to the public.
It includes newspapers, television, online news outlets, and social media.
, The media's role is to report on court proceedings and provide information about ongoing cases to the
public.
How it can influence/impact a case:
Biased or sensationalized media coverage can shape public opinion.
It may lead to a presumption of guilt or innocence before the trial.
Media reports can impact juror perception, affecting their ability to remain impartial during the trial.
Application of Criminal Courtroom Case Study & Impact:
CHRISTOPHER JEFFRIES – Decision to detain by police was influenced by politics:
The case of Christopher Jefferies exemplifies how media influence can wield far-reaching consequences.
Media outlets depicted Jefferies as the prime suspect in the murder of Joanna Yeates, resulting in his arrest
and detention.
The extensive media scrutiny and biased reporting were significantly influenced by political pressure to
expedite the case's resolution.
Jefferies endured severe damage to his reputation, ultimately leading to substantial damages for
defamation.
This case illustrates the substantial and potentially damaging influence of media coverage on an individual's
life and reputation.
OJ SIMPSON – Trial was heavily influenced by politics of Southern California:
The O.J. Simpson trial, a high-profile case in the 1990s, underscores the intertwining of media and politics in
legal proceedings.
Simpson, a former NFL star, was tried for the murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman in a
trial that captivated the nation.
The extensive media coverage, particularly in Southern California, was heavily influenced by political and
racial dynamics, impacting public perception and ultimately affecting the trial's outcome.
The jury's verdict, which acquitted Simpson, was perceived by many as a response to the intense media and
political pressures surrounding the case.
The Simpson trial remains a hallmark example of how media and politics can significantly shape the
trajectory and result of a criminal case.
Witnesses:
Role / Explanation:
Witness testimony is a valuable form of evidence used in both the prosecution and defence in criminal cases.
Witness testimony is presented in court, either in "examination in chief" by the party calling the witnesses or
through "cross-examination" to challenge their testimony.
The quality of witness testimony can have a significant impact on the outcome of a case, potentially
influencing the jury's verdict.
Jurors often assess the credibility of witnesses based on various factors, including their behaviour,
appearance, and emotional display.
Witnesses' recall clarity can diminish over time, and their ability to provide crucial details may be affected by
the stress experienced as a result of the crime.
How it can Influence / Impact a Case:
A compelling and emotional witness testimony can sway the jury or magistrates in favor of one side, either
because they sympathize with the witness or find them reliable and trustworthy.
The impact of witness testimony can be substantial, with jurors weighing the importance of such evidence
when reaching a verdict.
Juror biases, such as stereotyping based on factors like race, gender, and emotional display, may affect their
willingness to believe a witness's testimony.
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