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
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller samanthaihowe. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for £7.49. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
