Evidence types and criminal offences

• What are the types of forensic evidence?

  Testimony, documentary, digital, physical
• How is evidence defined in forensic contexts?

  It varies, including testimony and physical items
• What is an evidence type?

  An individual area of forensic evidence
• What can an evidence type include?

  One or more techniques and analysis targets
• What are examples of evidence recovery methods?

  Tape lifting and swabbing
• Why are some evidence types more complex than others?

  Due to the nature of the evidence and recovery
• What are the two main categories of forensic evidence types?

  • Scene-based evidence
  • Observations or tests at the scene
  • Lab-based evidence
  • Observations or tests on recovered items
• What is a limitation of scene-based evidence?

  It can be altered or destroyed
• What is the advantage of lab-based evidence examination?

  Better controls and anti-contamination measures
• What types of physical evidence can be analyzed in a lab?

  Fingerprints, toolmarks, firearms
• What does chemical evidence include?

  Drugs, glass, paint, toxicology
• What biological evidence types are analyzed?

  DNA, body fluids, hairs
• Why is knowledge of evidence types important in forensics?

  It aids in evidence recovery and strategy development
• What is continuity in forensic evidence?

  Documented account of evidence progress
• What happens without adequate continuity?

  Evidence may be deemed inadmissible
• What are the main groups of criminal offences?

  Serious crimes, volume crimes, drug offences
• What constitutes serious and violent crimes?

  Crimes against the person, including homicide
• How many homicide incidents were recorded in England and Wales?

  583 incidents
• What defines murder in legal terms?

  Unlawful killing with intent to harm
• What is manslaughter?

  Not intending to kill
• What is infanticide?

  Murder of a child under 12 months
• What is corporate manslaughter?

  Homicide due to gross negligence by a company
• What are possible defenses in homicide cases?

  Diminished responsibility, loss of control
• What does the Sexual Offences Act 2003 cover?

  Sexual offences including rape and assault
• What is the definition of rape?

  Intentional penetration without consent
• Who can commit rape according to the law?

  Only a person with a penis
• What are presumptions about non-consent in rape cases?

  Victim's fear, detention, or incapacity
• What is sexual assault defined as?

  Intentional touching without consent
• What constitutes grievous bodily harm (GBH)?

  Serious bodily harm, including broken bones
• What are the two versions of GBH?

  Section 20 and Section 18
• What is the maximum sentence for GBH under Section 18?

  Life imprisonment
• What is common assault defined as?

  Causing fear of unlawful force
• What distinguishes attempted murder from murder?

  Intent to kill must be proven
• What constitutes firearms offences?

  Firing, using as a weapon, or threats
• What types of firearms are included in offences?

  Air weapons, rifles, handguns
• What are volume crime offences?

  Crimes against property, including burglary
• What is aggravated burglary?

  Burglary with a weapon or explosive
• What is the definition of theft?

  Dishonestly appropriating property with intent
• What is arson covered under?

  The 1977 Criminal Damage Act
• What are the two levels of arson?

  Endangering life and not endangering life