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At the conclusion of this course, the student should be able to:
1. Describe the role of the rules of evidence.
2. Apply the California Evidence Code to testimonial, documentary, real, and physical evidence during motions and trial.
3. Analyze and apply the circumstances where evidence can be excluded for legal reasons.
4. Apply a constitutional basis for evidence including discovery, right of confrontation, the collection and preservation of evidence, self- incrimination, admissions, and confessions.
5. Apply the rules of search and seizure to people, houses, and personal property.
6. Analyze the adversarial presentation and the examination of evidence.
7. Define and explain job-related legal terminology concerning the presentation of evidence.
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I. Introduction to Evidence
A. Definition
B. Proof
C. Burden of Proof
D. Reasons for the rules of evidence
E. Reasons why evidence could be excluded in court
F. Purposes for offering evidence in court
G. Tests for the admissibility of evidence
H. Sources of evidence law
II. Types of Evidence
A. Testimonial
1. Lay witness
2. Expert witness
3. Subpoena
4. Opinion evidence rule
B. Documentary
1. Authentication
2. Best and secondary evidence
3. Gruesome photographs
4. Recording communications
C. Real
1. Authentication
2. Chain of possession
3. Duty to collect and preserve evidence
4. Examples of material objects
D. Demonstrative evidence
E. Physical evidence
F. Relevant evidence
G. Admissions and confessions
H. Hearsay rule
1. Hearsay defined
2. Admissions and confessions
3. Dying declarations
4. Spontaneous statements
5. Business and official records
6. Prior statements of witnesses and past recollection recorded
7. Hearsay testimony of preliminary hearings
8. Consciousness of guilt evidence
9. Propensity evidence
III. Ways of Presenting Evidence
A. Direct evidence
B. Circumstantial evidence
C. Presumption
D. Inference
E. Judicial notice
F. Stipulation
G. Discovery
IV. Witness Competency and Credibility
A. Competency
B. Presumption and burden of proof
C. Tests for competency
D. Credibility
E. Impeachment
F. Rehabilitation
V. Privileges and Privileged Communications
A. Privileges in general
B. Husband-wife testimonial privilege
C. Husband-wife confidential communications privilege
D. Attorney-client privilege
E. Clergy-confessor privilege
F. Doctor-patient privilege
G. Newshield privilege
H. Officer-informant privilege
I. Privilege against self-incrimination
VI. Search and Seizure
A. Search and seizure introduction
B. 4th Amendment provisions
1. Definitions
2. Standing
C. Exclusionary Rule
1. Definition
2. Purposes
D. Plain View Doctrine
1. Definition
2. Components
E. Scope of search
F. Detentions and contacts
1. Detention as a seizure
2. Establishing reasonable suspicion to detain
3. Contacts
G. Frisk or pat-down search and plain touch
H. Arrest search
1. Person
2. Dwelling
I. Vehicle search
1. Incident to arrest
2. Probable cause
3. Auto exception
4. Impound and inventory
J. Search warrant
1. Defined
2. Probable cause and affidavit
3. Times of service
4. Knock and notice
5. Scope, fortuitous finds, and inventory
K. Consent search
1. Definition
2. Knowingly and voluntarily
3. Request-choice
4. Admonition
5. Express or implied waiver
6. Constitutional considerations
7. Authority and "no authority"
8. Husband-wife rule and exceptions
9. Cotenant rule and exception
10. Parent-child rule and exceptions
L. Emergency searches
1. Doctrine of Necessity-Exigency
2. Danger to life and limb
3. Danger of serious property damage
4. Escape of suspect
5. Destruction of evidence
6. Once emergency terminates
7. Community care taking function
M. Parole search
1. Defined
2. Cause needed to conduct
3. Prior authorization not required
N. Probation search
1. Defined
2. Cause needed to conduct
3. Prior authorization not required
O. Administrative searches based upon a compelling state interest
P. Forcible seizure of evidence
1. Prevent attempt to swallow evidence
2. Stomach pumping and use of emetics
3. Seizure of blood, fingerprints, and exemplar evidence
VII. Self-Incrimination and Miranda
A. When the Miranda Rule applies
1. Adult
2. Minor
B. Custody and interrogation defined
C. Admonition, waiver, assertion
1. Admonition content
2. Waiver done knowingly, intelligently
D. Effect of silence assertion and exceptions
E. Effect of counsel assertion and exceptions
F. Constitutional violations
G. Exceptions to Miranda
1. Contacts
2. Traffic stops
3. Detentions
4. Rescue Doctrine and Public Safety
5. General on-scene questioning
6. Voluntary interviews
7. Phone calls