Penal Code
A person commits an offense if the person:
(1) intentionally or knowingly causes the death of an individual
19.02 - Murder
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.
First Amendment
The accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury.
Sixth Amendment
A criminal’s characteristic method of operation
Modus Operandi
Useful when an item is missing from the center and the search must be conducted rapidly.
Circular (Spiral or Concentric) Search
The person murders a peace officer or fireman who is acting in the lawful discharge of an official duty and who the person knows is a peace officer or fireman;
(2) the person intentionally commits the murder in the course of committing or attempting to commit kidnapping, burglary, robbery, aggravated sexual assault, arson, obstruction or retaliation, or terroristic threat.
19.03 - Capital Murder
The right of the people to keep and bear arms.
Second Amendment
Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.
Eighth Amendment
Literally means the body or substance of the crime. In law the term refers to proof establishing that a crime has occurred; the necessary elements that constitute a crime.
Corpus Delicti
Step 1: Collect information
Step 2: Assess situation, threats, and risks
Step 3: Consider police powers and agency policy
Step 4: Identify options and determine best course of action
Step 5: Act, review, and re-assess
Five Steps of Critical Decision-Making Model
A person commits an offense if he recklessly causes the death of an individual.
19.04 Manslaughter
No soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house.
Third Amendment
The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively, or to the people.
Tenth Amendment
One who receives and disposes of stolen property on a regular basis.
Fence
The defense attorney may further question a witness after redirect examination by the prosecutor.
Recross Examination
A person commits an offense if he causes the death of an individual by criminal negligence.
19.05 - Criminally Negligent Homicide
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures.
Fourth Amendment
In suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved
Seventh Amendment
When there is severe injury to the central nervous system or when there was great tension at the time of death, sometimes stiffening occurs immediately.
Cadaveric Spasm
The process in which records transactions of evidence from person to person since its acquisition by a law enforcement agency.
Chain of Custody
A person commits an offense if the person:
(1) intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causes bodily injury to another
22.01 - ASSAULT
No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a grand jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the militia, when in actual service in time of war or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb. (Self incrimination and Double Jeopardy)
Fifth Amendment
The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.
Ninth Amendment
Establish defined entry and exit points to minimize loss, destruction, and contamination of evidence.
Protection of a crime scene
a party to request the court exclude witnesses from hearing other testimony to prevent influence, though victims, their relatives, and guardians have special considerations and courts also manage decorum; the core idea is preventing witness tampering and ensuring independent testimony by making witnesses wait outside until called to testify.
Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 36.03 – Invocation of Rule