Criminal Evidence, 1st edition

A detailed, hands-on introduction to evidence law

• Motivate students with a clear, easy-to-read writing style that is designed to be understood by those without formal legal training, but is thorough in its coverage so that depth is not sacrificed to simplicity.

• Contextualize how evidence law fits into the larger system with concise but thorough explanations of the legal system, trial processes, and principles of constitutional and criminal law as they pertain to understanding evidence.

• Thoroughly cover the rules of evidence law–topics covered include the rules of evidence and statutory and case law which form the law of evidence in a logical progression, to the attributes which make evidence admissible (competence, authentication, and relevance) to those which make relevant evidence inadmissible (prejudice, hearsay, privilege, and public policy).  

A practical, real-world approach that resonates with students.

• Practice tips and sample trial transcripts give students a deeper understanding of how the law of evidence works in the real world.

• A fully annotated transcript of testimony taken at an actual criminal trial is included in Appendix B. The author’s commentary points out the various evidence principles at play, the strategies used, and the missteps made by the attorneys as they examine and cross-examine witnesses.  

• Evidence and Technology sections explain in clear and direct terms how current technology is affecting the law of evidence, from how jurisdiction over internet crimes is determined to the use of metadata in authenticating documents, and even whether a “like” on Facebook can be used against a defendant in court.

• Court opinions illustrate legal principles while remaining accessible to college students with no formal legal training. Two analytical questions follow each court opinion that allow students to further explore the court’s treatment of principles of evidence law.

• Key Terms are defined in the margins and compiled in a comprehensive glossary to focus students’ study.

• End-of-Chapter Summaries, Web Excursions, and Practical Exercises are included in each chapter to help make studying and retention easier, allow students to extend their learning, and further drive home the lessons of the chapter through hands-on experience.