This is a new book by Kerry Watkins a Centre Alumnus.
With an author team consisting of a police investigator, an
experienced criminal defence lawyer, and a forensic scientist (all
teaching in their fields), Evidence and Investigation: From the Crime Scene to the Courtroom
describes the factors that make evidence valuable in the courtroom and
points to the common pitfalls that can weaken an otherwise promising
investigation. This new text also explores the many uses of forensic
science in an investigation, with current and high-profile examples such
as the Russell Williams case and, even more recently, the Shafia family
case.
The book is divided into three parts that introduces readers to the
legal considerations and best practices in collecting evidence at the
crime scene and throughout an investigation, and presenting it in a
courtroom. Part I provides a working knowledge of the law of evidence,
explaining the basics of a criminal trial, types of evidence, and the
rules governing admissibility.
Part II includes a description of the current law governing search
and seizure activities and the requirements for Charter-compliant
searches. The importance of continuity and the collection of evidence
free of taint is underscored, as is the importance of accurate
record-keeping. The authors outline the most current information on
digital evidence, DNA evidence, crime labs, death investigations, and
the forensic sciences. The rules and techniques that apply to conducting
interviews with both witness and suspects are clearly set out.
Part III returns to the courtroom, focusing on cross-examination and
providing prospective officers with an understanding of this
often-gruelling and little-understood stage of a trial. This part
provides a wealth of advice on how to function professionally in the
witness box and give evidence fully, fairly, and firmly.
For instructors, this text comes with a comprehensive Instructor's Guide, PowerPoint presentations, and a test bank.
Here is a link to the publishing info.
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