Maricopa Community Colleges  AJS290AK   19966-20086 
Official Course Description: MCCCD Approval: 07/22/08
AJS290AK 19966-20086 LEC 1 Credit(s) 1 Period(s)
Criminal Evidence
Legal aspects of criminal investigation and presentation of relevant evidence.
Prerequisites: None.
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MCCCD Official Course Competencies:
 
AJS290AK   19966-20086 Criminal Evidence
1. Describe the nature of a criminal investigation including information, interrogation, and instrumentation. (I)
2. Describe methods of collecting and preserving evidence. (I, II)
3. Identify methods of suspect identification. (I, II)
4. Describe the standard of proof necessary at trial. (II)
5. Describe the preparation of evidence for court. (III)
6. Describe how the criminal investigator presents evidence in court as a witness. (III)
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MCCCD Official Course Outline:
 
AJS290AK   19966-20086 Criminal Evidence
    I. The Nature of a Criminal Investigation
        A. The information
          1. Identity of the offender
          2. Location of the offender
          3. Evidence of guilt
        B. Interrogation
          1. Eyewitnesses
          2. Suspect
        C. Instrumentation
          1. Crime scene searches
          2. Collection of evidence
          3. Scientific testing
          4. Preservation of evidence
      II. Phases of the Criminal Investigation
          A. Identifying the suspect
            1. Confessions
            2. Eyewitnesses
            3. Circumstantial evidence
              a. Motive
              b. Opportunity
              c. Associative evidence
          B. Tracing and locating the suspect
          C. Proving the guilt
            1. Beyond a reasonable doubt standard
            2. Corpus delicti
            3. Elements of the offense
        III. Presentation of Evidence in Court
            A. Preparation for court
            B. On the witness stand
              1. Personal knowledge
              2. Appearance of candor
              3. Investigative techniques
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