AC 1.3

• What is the role of evidence in the criminal justice process?

  Evidence is the basis on which a suspect is charged, tried, and found guilty or not guilty.
• Why must the process of collecting and storing evidence be done with care?

  To avoid contamination and ensure it is admissible in court.
• What are the two main types of evidence?

  • Physical evidence: actual physical material (e.g., DNA, weapons).
  • Testimonial evidence: written or oral statements (e.g., from witnesses).
• What is physical evidence?

  Physical evidence is actual physical material collected during investigations.
• What is testimonial evidence?

  Testimonial evidence includes written or oral statements by victims, witnesses, and defendants.
• Why is Locard's exchange principle important in forensic science?

  It states that every contact leaves a trace, linking offenders to crime scenes.
• Who was Edmond Locard?


  Edmond Locard was a pioneer of forensic science.
• What does Paul Kirk say about physical evidence?

  He states that physical evidence serves as a silent witness against the offender.
• What precautions are taken when collecting physical evidence?

  • Use gloves to avoid contamination.
  • Wear protective clothing for serious crimes.
  • Avoid breathing or sneezing over evidence.
• What types of bodily fluids can provide identification evidence?

  Blood, semen, and saliva.
• How should blood-stained items be handled?

  They should be air-dried and carefully packaged to prevent transfer.
• What should be done with semen found on clothing?

  Semen should be allowed to air-dry and then placed in a paper bag for analysis.
• Why is saliva from bites important in investigations?

  It can provide a sample for DNA analysis.
• How should hairs found at a crime scene be handled?

  They should be wrapped in paper or placed in a paper bag, sealed, labeled, and sent for analysis.
• What are the three types of fingerprints?

  Latent prints, patent prints, and plastic prints.
• What are latent prints?

  Latent prints are invisible marks left on a surface that can be made visible.
• How are patent prints different from latent prints?

  Patent prints are visible to the naked eye, while latent prints are not.
• What are plastic prints?

  Plastic prints are three-dimensional shapes made by pressing fingers into soft material.
• How can fingerprints be compared to stored prints?

  Fingerprints can be compared with those in the police IDENT database.
• What is impression evidence?


  • Created when a suspect presses something against a surface.
  • Includes fingerprints, shoeprints, and tire marks.
• What is trace evidence?


  Trace evidence is any material transferred from the suspect to the crime scene.
• What types of trace evidence can be collected?

  Fibers, paint, glass fragments, and soil samples.
• How should fibers be collected?

  Fibers should be collected using gloves and placed in a labeled bag.
• Why is soil evidence important?

  Soil samples can help place a suspect at the crime scene.
• What is the role of testimonial evidence in court?

  Testimonial evidence supports either the prosecution or defense's case.
• What must both sides disclose before a trial?

  Both sides must disclose written statements and a list of witnesses.
• What happens when witnesses testify in court?

  Witnesses may be cross-examined by the opposing side to test their evidence.
• Who are considered vulnerable witnesses?

  Vulnerable witnesses include those under 18, with mental health conditions, or victims of serious crimes.
• What types of evidence may not be admissible in court?

  Hearsay evidence, forced confessions, and entrapment evidence may not be admissible.
• What was the issue with Dr. Alan Williams' testimony in the Sally Clark case?

  He failed to disclose key evidence and changed his opinion about the cause of death.
• What was flawed about Professor Sir Roy Meadow's testimony?

  He claimed there was a statistical basis for cot deaths that was later disproven.
• What happened to Professor Sir Roy Meadow after his testimony?


  He was struck off the medical register for gross professional misconduct.
• What was the outcome of Barry George's appeal?

  His conviction was quashed, and he was acquitted in 2008.
• What is the significance of the case study involving Barry George?

  It highlights the importance of trace evidence in criminal investigations.
• What is required for evidence to be admissible in court?

  Evidence must comply with rules of admissibility and not be hearsay or coerced.