Question

answer the following questions. keep the answers in your notebook, to be turned in to your teacher at the end of the unit. 1. explain the difference between testimonial evidence and physical evidence. 2. list three factors that may affect the memory of an eyewitness in recounting a crime. 3. list five types of physical evidence. 4. how is circumstantial evidence different from physical evidence? 5. give three examples of transient evidence and explain why it may be transient. 6. give three examples of conditional evidence and explain why it is conditional. 7. which is generally more reliable, physical evidence or testimonial evidence? 8. what is meant by indirect evidence? 9. what significant type of evidence was used to convict coral eugene watts? 10. why did prosecutors want to reopen his case after so many years?

Explanation:

1. Testimonial evidence is statements made by witnesses, while physical evidence consists of tangible items related to the case.
2. Stress during the event, time elapsed since the event, and distractions at the time of the event can affect an eyewitness's memory.
3. Examples of physical evidence include fingerprints, DNA samples, weapons, bloodstains, and hair samples.
4. Circumstantial evidence implies a fact - it is indirect, while physical evidence is tangible and direct.
5. Transient evidence examples: footprints in soft soil (can be washed away or erased), odors (dissipate over time), and blood on a surface that can be cleaned. It's transient because it can disappear or change quickly.
6. Conditional evidence examples: a wet floor indicating a spill (only evidence if there was a spill), a broken window suggesting a break - in (only if it was not broken before), and a smoking gun (only evidence if it was fired recently). It's conditional as its relevance depends on other factors.
7. Physical evidence is generally more reliable as it is less subject to human error, bias, or forgetfulness compared to testimonial evidence.
8. Indirect evidence suggests a fact rather than directly proving it. It requires inference.
9. DNA evidence was significant in convicting Coral Eugene Watts.
10. Prosecutors may want to reopen a case if new evidence emerges, such as new DNA analysis techniques or new witnesses coming forward.

Answer:

1. Testimonial evidence is witness statements; physical evidence is tangible items.
2. Stress, time elapsed, distractions.
3. Fingerprints, DNA samples, weapons, bloodstains, hair samples.
4. Circumstantial is indirect; physical is direct.
5. Footprints in soft soil (can be erased), odors (dissipate), blood on a cleanable surface (can be cleaned).
6. Wet floor (if spill), broken window (if not pre - broken), smoking gun (if recently fired).
7. Physical evidence.
8. It implies a fact and requires inference.
9. DNA evidence.
10. New evidence may have emerged.