ETC Courtroom Testimony & Legal Procedures Flashcards

What is the exclusionary rule and how does it affect improperly collected evidence?

Answer: Evidence obtained in violation of the Fourth Amendment must be excluded from trial to deter unlawful police conduct

The exclusionary rule (from Mapp v. Ohio) prohibits the use of evidence obtained through unconstitutional searches and seizures, deterring Fourth Amendment violations.

What is the 'fruit of the poisonous tree' doctrine?

Answer: Evidence derived from an illegal search or seizure is also inadmissible, not just the original illegally obtained evidence

The fruit of the poisonous tree doctrine extends the exclusionary rule to all evidence derived from an initial constitutional violation, not just the directly illegally obtained evidence.

Under what circumstances may an evidence technician conduct a warrantless search under the plain view doctrine?

Answer: When the officer is lawfully present, the evidence is in plain view, and its incriminating nature is immediately apparent

The plain view doctrine allows warrantless seizure when: (1) the officer is lawfully present at the location, (2) the item is in plain view, and (3) the incriminating character is immediately apparent.

What is the significance of Miranda v. Arizona for evidence technicians who may question witnesses or suspects?

Answer: Suspects in custody must be advised of their rights before interrogation; failure to do so makes resulting statements inadmissible

Miranda v. Arizona requires custodial suspects to be informed of their right to silence and counsel before interrogation; any statements obtained without Miranda warnings are generally inadmissible.

What is a stipulation in criminal court proceedings and how can it simplify evidence technician testimony?

Answer: An agreement between prosecution and defense to accept certain facts as true without requiring testimony, reducing the need for the technician to take the stand

Stipulations are agreements by both parties to accept certain facts (e.g., chain of custody for routine lab analysis) as established, often eliminating the need for the evidence technician to testify about those points.

What professional obligation does an evidence technician have if their analysis produces results that are exculpatory (favorable to the defendant)?

Answer: They must report all findings truthfully regardless of which party they benefit, as Brady v. Maryland requires disclosure of exculpatory evidence

Brady v. Maryland mandates that all exculpatory evidence be disclosed; evidence technicians must report all factual findings truthfully, as suppressing exculpatory results violates defendants' constitutional rights.