Evidence: Investigation, Rules and Trials

Evidence: Investigation, Rules and Trials shows non-lawyers how evidence is gathered, analyzed in terms of whether or not it is admissible, and then what happens to it at trial and on appeal. A key tool throughout the textbook is a Passim Case involving identity theft. Through this case, the evidence concepts no longer need to be taught in a vacuum. For example, at the evidence gathering stage, students can consider how they might use informal techniques such as a private investigator to gather evidence. They may consider what discovery techniques to utilize and what questions should be asked. In the rules portion of the textbook, they can consider how the rules would apply to evidence from the Passim case. In addition, evidence examples from movies and actual cases that received press coverage are utilized throughout the book. Each chapter will discuss the complex law of evidence in language that non-lawyers can understand, without sacrificing important coverage. This book will be useful to paralegal and criminal justice students, and anyone else who wants to learn the basics of finding evidence and getting it admitted into or excluded from court.