This is an introduction to the types of law and the rules of evidence that need to be considered for forensic investigators.  It gives good perspective to students about the role of forensic investigators and technicians within the criminal justice community.  Finally, it describes the criminal justice system in the United States in terms of Civil vs. Criminal, Rules of Evidence, etc.

In this lecture, you will see a discussion of different types of evidence, and how the court recognizes new technologies.  It provides a framework for the students to consider as the Forensics course moves forward with collection and testing of different types of evidence.  They can see where/how the evidence trail will end.

Topics include:

• Direct vs. Indirect Evidence
• Class vs. Individual Evidence
• Civil vs. Criminal Law
• Rules of Evidence
• The Daubert Approach

The prezi above is available for free and there is a student note-guide available in my TPT store: Forensics: Laws & Evidence Lecture Note Guide for Prezi

In Practice…

This lecture takes approximately 75 minutes depending on how much detail and examples are given.  It is good to use near the beginning of a Forensics course in high school or introductory college level setting.  I use this as the second lecture of the course, after the What is Forensics? lecture and before the Crime Scene Protocols topic.