Criminal Procedure for Forensic Science - Expert Testimony

A set of flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts in criminal procedure and expert testimony relevant to forensic science.

Relevant Evidence

Evidence that has any tendency to make a fact more or less probable than it would be without the evidence.

Admissibility of Evidence

The quality of being accepted as valid evidence in a court of law.

Expert Witness

A witness who has knowledge not normally possessed by the average person, allowing for specialized testimony.

Lay Witness

Any witness who is not an expert, such as a victim or eyewitness.

Federal Rules of Evidence Rule 401

A rule stating that evidence is relevant if it makes a fact more or less probable.

Frye Standard

A rule stating that scientific evidence is admissible only if it is generally accepted in the relevant scientific community.

Daubert Standard

A rule allowing scientific evidence if it is based on a theory or technique that can be tested and has been subject to peer review.

Voir Dire Process

The courtroom procedure for qualifying an expert witness through questioning.

Burden of Proof

The obligation to prove one's assertion, typically resting with the prosecution in criminal trials.

Jury Deliberation

The process by which a jury evaluates evidence and renders a verdict.

Victim Impact Statement

A statement made by a victim or the victim's family about the impact of the crime during sentencing.