Course Overview
Forensic evidence is subject to all the general rules related to the admissibility of evidence in the criminal trial process and is also subject to certain unique rules of scrutiny. This course examines the fundamental laws of evidence within the adversarial process and provides a context for the expert in their role as witness.
Prerequisite(s)
- 60% in FSCT 7001
Credits
2.5
Domestic fees
$863.09 - $900.68 See individual course offerings below for actual costs.
International fees are typically 3.4 times the domestic tuition. Exact cost will be calculated upon completion of registration.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Explain what constitutes evidence, who can call evidence, who can give evidence, and how evidence is introduced in a criminal trial.
- Explain the application of the criteria for admissibility of evidence and the different tests used at various stages of a criminal proceeding.
- Explain the critical importance of direct and circumstantial evidence, real evidence and testimonial evidence and their fundamental differences.
- Assess hearsay evidence and the principled exception to the rule, how discretion is applied, the competence and compellability of witnesses as well as the dangers of identification evidence.
- Assess basic principles of evidence including: relevance, materiality, admissibility, discretion, competence, compellability, capacity, skill, means, and motive.
- Evaluate the key factors and issues involved in publication or disclosure of information presented within a proceeding.
- Apply the principal sections of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms to criminal law and to the admissibility of evidence gathered by police.
- Explain the general principles regarding statements made by the accused to police (the “confession rule”) and the pre-trial procedure required to inquire into admissibility of a statement (the voir dire).
Effective as of Winter 2024
Related Programs
Criminal Law 2: Legal Evidence (FSCT 7002) is offered as a part of the following programs:
- Indicates programs accepting international students.
- Indicates programs eligible for students to apply for Post-graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
School of Computing and Academic Studies
- Forensic Investigation (Crime and Intelligence Analysis Option)
Bachelor of Technology Part-time
- Forensic Investigation (Digital Forensics and Cybersecurity Option)
Advanced Certificate Part-time
- Forensic Investigation (Digital Forensics and Cybersecurity Option)
Bachelor of Technology Full-time/Part-time
- Forensic Investigation (Forensic Science Option)
Advanced Certificate Part-time
- Forensic Investigation (Forensic Science Option)
Bachelor of Technology Part-time
- Forensic Investigation (General Criminalistics Option)
Advanced Certificate Part-time
Course Offerings
Winter 2027
Below are two offerings of FSCT 7002 for the Winter 2027 term.
CRN 78635
Dates
Jan 06 - Mar 31 Loading
- CRN 78635
- $863.09 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
| Dates | Days | Times | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 06 - Mar 31 | Wed | 18:30 - 21:40 | Online |
Duration
12 weeks
Instructor
TBD
Course outline
Course outline TBD — see Learning Outcomes in the interim.
Registration requirements
Departmental approval is required to register for this course offering. You must have approval from the department to register. Students accepted into a program can register directly.
Important information
- This offering will be ONLINE and forensics students (FS, CIA and DF&C) are welcome to register (if it is in your program Matrix). It will be taught LIVE via Class Teams. Attendance is highly recommended for success (synchronous). There will be no class on March 24, 2026. Students who have been accepted into a Forensics program where this course is a part of the matrix may register without any further approval if you meet the prerequisite. Students who are not currently accepted in a Forensics program or, if this course is NOT part of your program matrix, please contact the Program Assistants for departmental approval at BCIT_Forensics@bcit.ca. For information on Forensic programs and courses, please visit: www.bcit.ca/cas/forensics.
Confirmation
Required
To proceed with registration and add this course to the cart, please confirm:
No approval yet? Request approval You must have approval from the department to register. Students accepted into a program can register directly.
Status
If you have any questions about this course, please contact us.
CRN 80844
Dates
Jan 06 - Mar 31 Loading
- CRN 80844
- $900.68 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
| Dates | Days | Times | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 06 - Mar 31 | Wed | 18:30 - 21:40 | Burnaby SW03 Rm. 2745 |
Duration
12 weeks
Instructor
TBD
Course outline
Course outline TBD — see Learning Outcomes in the interim.
Registration requirements
Departmental approval is required to register for this course offering. You must have approval from the department to register. Students accepted into a program can register directly.
Important information
- This offering will be face-to-face (F2F) and forensics students (FS, CIA and DF&C) are welcome to register (if it's in your program matrix). Attendance is highly recommended for success (synchronous). There will be no class on March 24, 2026. Students who have been accepted into a Forensics program where this course is a part of the matrix may register without any further approvals if you meet the prerequisite. Students who are not currently accepted in a Forensics program or, if this course is NOT part of your program matrix, please contact the Program Assistants for departmental approval at BCIT_Forensics@bcit.ca. For information on Forensic programs and courses, please visit: www.bcit.ca/cas/forensics.
Confirmation
Required
To proceed with registration and add this course to the cart, please confirm:
No approval yet? Request approval You must have approval from the department to register. Students accepted into a program can register directly.
Status
If you have any questions about this course, please contact us.
Programs and courses are subject to change without notice. Find out more about BCIT course cancellations.