Criminal Evidence
The outcome of many criminal law cases will depend upon the strength and admissibility of evidence -- including physical proof, scientific evidence, and witness testimony. Criminal evidence law can be complex, but this section will help make sense of the different rules and concepts surrounding evidence. Below you will find information on the concept of admissibility, witness testimony, the use of scientific evidence in court, and more.
Learn About Criminal Evidence
- Law of Criminal Evidence: Background
Basic overview of the laws that govern how evidence is used at a criminal trial.
- The Concept of Admissibility
How evidence is determined to be either admissible or inadmissible in court.
- Hearsay Evidence
Special circumstances in which "hearsay" evidence is considered in court.
- Scientific and Forensic Evidence
The role of evidence procured through scientific means, such as forensic data.
Criminal Evidence Articles
- "Hearsay" Evidence
- Character Evidence
- Criminal Procedure FAQ
- DNA as an Exoneration Tool
- DNA: Greater Accuracy
- Documentary Evidence
- Evidence: The Concept of "Admissibility"
- Fingerprints: The First ID
- How DNA Evidence Works
- How to Suppress Evidence NEW!
- Law of Criminal Evidence: Background
- Leading Questions
- Polygraphs ("Lie Detectors")
- Post-Conviction DNA Analysis
- Real and Demonstrative Evidence
- Scientific and Forensic Evidence
- The "Lay Opinion" Rule
- The National DNA Database System
- What is DNA Evidence? NEW!