Criminology Term: Rules of Evidence
The rules of evidence are a complex and multifaceted set of guidelines and principles that dictate the admissibility and use of evidence in legal proceedings, particularly criminal trials.
These rules seek to uphold the integrity of the legal process by ensuring that evidence presented in court is credible, relevant, and not unfairly detrimental to either party.
The rules of evidence cover a broad range of issues, from the weight of proof to the types of evidence that may be admissible to the methods of presentation and the qualifications of witnesses.
They also address issues related to the reliability of witnesses and the admissibility of hearsay evidence, among others.
While the specifics of the rules of evidence may differ from one jurisdiction to another, their underlying aim is to foster fairness, accuracy, and efficiency in legal proceedings.
In criminal cases, the rules of evidence play a crucial role in determining whether the prosecution can meet the high standard of proof required to secure a conviction and whether the defendant can mount a successful defense.
