Module 5
The responsibility of the prosecution to prove the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt
What is burden of proof
Secondhand testimony. A statement offered by a witness as truth, however, the statement was made by someone other than that witness.
What is hearsay?
This iconic early 2000s television series features various court room dramatics, including an iconic scene in which a man who robs drug dealers takes the stand in a capital murder trial and deftly navigates a cross examination in which he avoids incriminating himself and successfully contributes to the sentencing of his enemy on trial
What is, "The Wire"
Investigators arrived at the scene of a robbery, where the victim remained on scene and answered questions. As investigators walked along the sidewalk, they found a few stray dollar bills and a drivers license belonging to a one "Jared Beckford." Upon running his name, investigators discovered that Beckford has a long rap sheet of attempted robbery and aggravated assault.
What is physical evidence?
Paul is a financial guru, a master of accounting and business management who was called to the court room to sift through piles of data and years of deception to pave a way toward clarity in the infamous Enron financial scandal.
What is an expert witness?
If you have been charged with a crime, it means the judge has proof that you did something wrong...
Jordan states that at the time he was accused of robbing a Little Caesar's he was working an overnight shift at Lowe's. His supervisor at the hardware store corroborates that he was scheduled for a shift that night. What does Jordan have?
This iconic and controversial trial was marked by a great deal of antics and spellbinding twists, including the reveal that hard, physical evidence (gloves) were revealed to not fit the defendant's hands. The gloves remained admissible as evidence in the trial, but the misfit drastically altered the jury's perception.
What is the trial of OJ Simpson?
Johnathan got into an argument with the owner of a local small business the day before the business was vandalized.
What is circumstantial evidence / motive?
Daniel was out on a job when he watched a car dramatically swerve to the side of the road and knock the side mirrors off of 7 cars while also causing significant damage to the car's paint. In the brief moment when the car paused before driving off, Daniel memorized the license plate.
What is an eye-witness?
To give evidence as a witness in a court of law...
What is testimony
Data presented to a court or jury in proof of the facts in issue that may include the testimony of witnesses, records, documents, or objects.
What is evidence?
This lawyer has made headlines in recent years following his aggressive, impenetrable defense utilized to acquit or drastically reduce sentencing in federal RICO cases against popular music artists such as Young Thug, Lil Durk, and Sean "Diddy" Combs.
Who is Brian Steele?
OJ Simpson's DNA (hair, blood) was found in various damaging places throughout the crime scene.
What is physical evidence / forensic evidence
Wendy takes the stand in the court room to state that she was at the nail salon and overheard another woman stating that her husband rushed into the house and gathered various belongings before running off again and not returning. The small town recently experienced a string of robberies.
What is hearsay witness testimony?
The result of pleading "not guilty" ... What happens next
What is a trial
A person who attests to a defendant's moral character.
What is a character witness?
This 2025 movie demonstrated the grueling and unsettling process of collecting evidence and ensuring due process - including the first assembly of an international crimes court - when charging and trying war criminals in the aftermath of World War II
What is 'Nuremberg?'
Patricia's internet search history included such items as "rat poison effects on humans," and "Life insurance policy requirements," in the days prior to unsuccessfully attempting to poison her partner.
What is circumstantial evidence?
Andrea has been presented with a moral dilemma. Her brother has requested that she testify in his upcoming trial to endorse his presence at her family barbecue at the time he was accused of having caused property damage to a tire shop after trying to sleep there and breaking a window. Andrea's barbecue was many months ago, but she is quite sure her brother was not there. What is Andrea being asked to confirm? BONUS: what is the charge Andrea might receive should she choose to protect her brother?
What is an alibi // what is perjury
A pre-trial process in which evidence and witnesses are submitted to the court to assess for their validity in the upcoming trial.
Jared Beckford is anxiously awaiting his upcoming trial. He has been in contact with his lawyer, but ultimately is quite concerned about the possibility of being called to the stand to testify. He has been overwhelmed with information regarding testimony that is set to occur over the course of his trial. What information might help set Jared's mind at ease?
What is the 5th amendment... Jared is not obliged to testify in his trial as he has the right to avoid any contributions that may incriminate himself in the court room.
This landmark event in U.S. history is an iconic demonstration of the damaging effects of physical evidence or "the smoking gun." Hard audio recordings were discovered and exposed, detailing the president's attempts at domestic subterfuge and spying, as well as utilizing hush money and wiretapping reporters attempting to uncover truths on the Vietnam War and Cambodia
What is WATERGATE!!
In Jared's trial for the Little Caesar's robbery, there will be a witness called for the defense that will speak to Jared's calm disposition, his lack of criminal history, and his relative financial stability and devotion to his family
What is character witness evidence?
When John was arrested, he confessed to having committed the crime despite having been read his rights.
What is a witness statement (a confession qualifies as witness testimony...)