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
- Not offered this term
- This course is not offered this term. Notify me to receive email notifications when the course opens for registration next term.
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
Programs and courses are subject to change without notice. Find out more about BCIT course cancellations.