• Direct Evidence: the testimony of witnesses who actually saw the offence being committed
  • Circumstantial Evidence: indirect evidence; indicates that it is highly probable that the accused is the only one who could have committed the crime
  • Similar Fact Evidence: shows that the accused has committed similar offences in the past
  • Hearsay Evidence: something that someone other than the witness has said or written
    • Generally inadmissible (not allowed)
    • No cross examination of this evidence as the witness cannot testify as to its truth
  • Opinion Evidence:  what an expert thinks about facts in a case
  • Photographs, Videos & Tape Recordings:
    • Photos are allowed only to give an accurate representation of a scene of a crime
    • Video/Audio tape is admissible if the person had no reasonable expectation of privacy
  • Electronic Devices and Video Surveillance
    • Will be admitted only if Criminal Code procedures have been followed
    • Devices cannot be used to intercept private conversations unless authorized by court order or one of the parties in the conversation has consented
    • Exceptions for emergency situations
  • Polygraph Evidence
    • Supreme Court of Canada has ruled that polygraph tests (lie detectors) are hearsay and therefore inadmissible as evidence
author avatar
William Anderson (Schoolworkhelper Editorial Team)
William completed his Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts in 2013. He current serves as a lecturer, tutor and freelance writer. In his spare time, he enjoys reading, walking his dog and parasailing.
READ:
Overview of Evidence Used in Criminal Trials
Article last reviewed: 2022 | St. Rosemary Institution © 2010-2024 | Creative Commons 4.0

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