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Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
1. Demonstrate a working knowledge of the role of the Rules of Evidence
through study of the California Evidence code, and where applicable the
Federal Rules of Evidence.
2. Apply the California Evidence Code to proffered testimonial,
documentary, real and physical evidence during motions and trial, and
identify the circumstances where evidence can be excluded for legal
reasons.
3. Apply a constitutional basis for evidence including discovery, right
of confrontation, the collection and preservation of evidence, self-
incrimination, and admissions and confessions.
4. Apply the Rules of Search and Seizure to people, houses, and personal
property, and when reasonable searches can be conducted.
5. Compare the adversarial presentation and examination of evidence and
the roles of the district attorney, defense counsel, and trier of fact in
this process.
6. Define and explain job-related legal terminology concerning the
presentation of evidence.
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I. INTRODUCTION TO EVIDENCE
A. Definition of Evidence
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 (Testimony)
B. Documentary (Writings)
C. Real (Material Objects)
D. Demonstrative Evidence
E. Physical Evidence
F. Relevant Evidence
G. Admissions and Confessions
H. Hearsay Rule
I. Consciousness of Guilt Evidence
J. 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 TESTIMONY
A. Lay Witness
B. Expert Witness
C. Subpoena
D. Opinion Evidence Rule
V. WITNESS COMPETENCY AND CREDIBILITY
A. Competency
B. Presumption and Burden of Proof
C. Tests for Competency
D. Credibility
E. Impeachment
F. Rehabilitation
VI. DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE (WRITINGS)
A. Authentication
B. Best and Secondary Evidence
C. Gruesome Photographs
D. Recording Communications
VII.REAL AND PHYSICAL EVIDENCE (MATERIAL OBJECTS)
A. Authentication
B. Chain of Possession
C. Duty to Collect/Preserve Evidence
D. Examples of Material Objects
VIII.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
IX. HEARSAY EVIDENCE
A. Hearsay Defined
B. Admissions and Confessions
C. Dying Declarations
D. Spontaneous Statements
E. Business And Official Records
F. Prior Statements of Witnesses/Past Recollection Recorded
G. Hearsay Testimony of Preliminary Hearings
X. SEARCH & 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/Plain Touch
H. Arrest Search
1. Person
2. Dwelling
I. Vehicle Search
1. Incident to Arrest
2. Probable Cause (Auto Exception)
3. Impound/Inventory
J. Search Warrant
1. Defined
2. Probable Cause and Affidavit
3. Times of Service
4. Knock and Notice
5. Scope, Fortuitous Finds, 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/Limb
3. Danger of Serious Property Damage
4. Escape of Suspect
5. Destruction of Evidence
6. Once Emergency Terminates, Another Search Basis is Required
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/use of emetics
3. Seizure of blood, fingerprints and exemplar evidence
XI. 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-Knowingly, Intelligent
D. Effect of Silence Assertion - Exceptions
E. Effect of Counsel Assertion - Exceptions
F. Fifth Amendment Violation and Exclusionary Rule
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
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CALIFORNIA EVIDENCE CODE, 2003.
Hill, Raymond M. III, CALIFORNIA CRIMINAL EVIDENCE GUIDE: A HANDBOOK FOR
THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE STUDENT, 7th Ed., Halleck Creek Publishing,
Petaluma, CA, 2003.
Jefferson, Bernard S., JEFFERSON'S SYNOPSIS OF CALIFORNIA EVIDENCE LAW,
California Continuing Education of the Bar, Berkeley, CA, 2003.
State of California, Commission on Peace Officer Standards & Training,
UNIT GUIDES FOR THE BASIC LAW ENFORCEMENT COURSE (LD15-Laws of Arrest/
Miranda; LD16-Search & Seizure; LD17-Presentation of Evidence,
LD2-Criminal Justice System, LD5, Introduction to Law), Sacramento, CA,
2003
State of California, Department of Justice - Office of the Attorney
General, PEACE OFFICER'S LEGAL SOURCEBOOK, Sacramento, CA, 2003.
