Evidence & Trial Practice Flashcards
7 cards from real MPOETC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Evidence & Trial Practice flashcards as text
Under the Federal Rules of Evidence, which statement best describes 'hearsay'?
Answer: An out-of-court statement offered to prove the truth of the matter asserted
Hearsay is an out-of-court statement offered to prove the truth of the matter asserted, and is generally inadmissible unless an exception applies.
A police officer discovers a bloody knife at a crime scene. To be admissible at trial, the officer must establish:
Answer: An unbroken chain of custody from collection to court
Chain of custody documentation ensures that physical evidence has not been tampered with or contaminated from the time of collection through trial.
Which of the following is an example of demonstrative evidence?
Answer: A diagram the prosecutor draws to illustrate the crime scene layout
Demonstrative evidence, such as diagrams, charts, or models, is created to help explain or illustrate other evidence for the jury.
When a police officer is subpoenaed to testify at trial, which of the following is the MOST important preparation step?
Answer: Reviewing the incident report and supplemental reports thoroughly before testifying
Officers should review their own reports before testifying to refresh their memory and ensure accuracy.
The exclusionary rule established in Mapp v. Ohio (1961) holds that:
Answer: Evidence obtained through unconstitutional searches is inadmissible in state courts
Mapp v. Ohio applied the exclusionary rule to state courts, barring evidence obtained in violation of the Fourth Amendment.
An officer is cross-examined about a prior inconsistent statement made in an earlier report. The BEST response is to:
Answer: Explain the inconsistency calmly and honestly if one exists
Officers must acknowledge inconsistencies honestly and explain them — attempts to deny or cover up errors severely damage credibility.
Which evidentiary concept allows a court to accept certain facts as true without requiring proof because they are universally known or easily verifiable?
Answer: Judicial notice
Judicial notice allows a court to accept well-known or readily verifiable facts without requiring formal proof.