What is testimonial evidence?

Transcription

1 Pros & Cons of Testimonial Evidence Glue the worksheet on page 53 FAF Right Presentation developed by T. Trimpe What is testimonial evidence? Testimonial evidence includes oral or written statements given to police as well as testimony in court by people who witnessed an event. Eyewitness accounts can be a useful tool in helping investigators with analyzing crime scenes, but are not viewed to be highly reliable. In addition, eyewitness identifications (right or wrong) can have a big influence on the outcome of an investigation or trial. People are likely to view the same scene in different ways depending on their positions, line of sight, familiarity with the area, and other factors that can interfere with a person s ability to remember details. 1

2 Witness Factors How could these factors affect what a person remembers? Age The witness age may play a role in how much they can remember or how accurate their descriptions of a crime might be Drugs/Alcohol The use of illegal drugs and alcohol may impair a person s ability to recall specific details of a crime or the suspect. Other People Listening to other versions of the crime from other eyewitnesses or the media may influence what an eyewitness thinks he/she remembers Source: Crime Scene & Suspect Factors How could these factors affect what a person remembers? Type of Crime The more violent the crime, the more difficult it might be for an eyewitness or victim to recall specific events or characteristics of the crime scene or suspect. Length of Crime (Interaction) The longer an eyewitness is able to view a suspect or crime scene, the more likely he/she is to remember specific details. Appearance A suspect who is very attractive or very unattractive will be easier to remember. Suspects with facial scars, piercings, or tattoos will also be easier to identify. Time of Day The amount of daylight or other light available may impact what an eyewitness can see. Source: 2

3 Did you know? According to The Innocence Project (2008) "Eyewitness misidentification is the single greatest cause of wrongful convictions nationwide, playing a role in more than 75% of convictions overturned through DNA testing." Still, the criminal justice system profoundly relies on eyewitness identification and testimony for investigating and prosecuting crimes (Wells & Olson, 2003). Source: Crime Scene Challenge Now that your eyes and brain are warmed up, let s test your observation skills a bit more. You will have 2 minutes to study the photograph of a crime scene on the next slide. Try to pay attention to details as you will be asked 10 questions about the crime scene! You are not allowed to write anything down until after the time is up. Ready? 3

4 Answer each question below. 1. What color coffee mug was in the picture? Blue Red Yellow 2. When was the deadline? Yesterday Today Tomorrow 3. What time was on the clock on the wall? 10:40 11:05 1:55 4. How many sticky notes were on the whiteboard? Four Six Eight 5. Which of the following was NOT in the picture? Stapler Trash Can Printer 6. What was the name on the plaque on the desk? Bill Brian Carl 7. What color was the victim's shirt? Black Blue Red 8. How many plants were in the picture? None One Two 9. What was the color of the marker in the desk drawer? Red Blue Green 10. Where was the book in the picture? On a box In the trash can Under the body Source: 4

5 Now You See It, Now You Don t How well do you know my classroom? You will have 2 minutes to take a look around. Try to pay attention to details! After the time is up, you will get a clipboard and a quiz on your way to the hallway to complete and then turn in to the teacher when you are done. Spread out! No peeking or talking allowed! Sit quietly until everyone is finished. We will go over the answers. The answers are 1. What color is the fabric on the bulletin boards? 2. How many drawers are in the tall filing cabinet? What color is it? 3. From what college did Mrs. Tomm earn her Masters Degree? Western Illinois University +1 Red + 1 Yellow +1 Four +1 Black How many regular chairs are in the room? What is unusual about the classroom clock? Chemical symbols (elements) instead of numbers How many tall cabinets are along the back wall? How many have glass doors? 7. How many windows are in the room? Four

6 8. What object is hanging above the classroom clock? 9. About how long is the front counter (nearest meter)? 10. About how tall is the classroom door (feet/inches)? 11. What color are the curtains under the side counter? Q-tip +1 3 m +1 6 ft 10 in +2 Blue or Navy What is displayed on the red scarf to the left of the clock? Animal Scat How many pens are on the SmartBoard tray? Two How many rungs are on the dancing helix (DNA)? Total Points = 18 Write your final score (the # of points you earned) next to your name! Turn in to the bin by the classroom door. Facial Composites Investigators work with sketch artists and eyewitnesses to create facial composites, or sketches of a person s face. Today many police departments are using facial reconstruction software to help them with this task. The composite may be used internally to assist officers in identifying the suspect or used externally through local media (radio, TV, and newspaper) to solicit leads from citizens. FACES A software program that offers many options to help you recreate a person s facial features. 6

7 Need to do Complete the back of the worksheet CSI Online: Eyewitness Basics. Due at the start of class tomorrow! mrstomm.com Science Spot Kid Zone Forensic Science Links page Not working? Click to install Flash and choose ALLOW. 3 4 Art of Crime Detection -Read the intro & fill in your worksheet - Watch the video for each crime. -Use the arrows to move up and down the list of options for creating a face. -Click S to submit your composite and find out if you are correct -Keep trying until you get it correct (or close enough)! - You do not have to do the third activity! 7