Investigating Homicides and the Importance of Evidence

These flashcards cover key concepts from the lecture notes on investigating homicides, emphasizing the role of various types of evidence, interviewing techniques, and the importance of understanding witness reliability.

What type of evidence is emphasized in the lecture as crucial for investigations?

Physical evidence such as DNA, fingerprints, and photographs.

What principle states that a confession alone is insufficient for conviction?

Corpus delicti rule, which requires a body of evidence.

What is meant by the term 'witnesses' in the context of criminal investigations?

Individuals who may have information relevant to a crime but are not suspects.

How can the accuracy of eyewitness accounts be described?

Eyewitness accounts are often unreliable; different people may perceive the same event differently.

What is the role of a confidential informant in criminal investigations?

A person who provides information to the police about criminal activities, often in exchange for leniency in legal consequences.

What is the difference between interviewing and interrogating in an investigative context?

Interviewing involves questioning non-suspects for information, while interrogating is questioning suspected individuals.

Why are open-ended questions important in interviews?

They allow witnesses to provide detailed information instead of simple yes or no answers.

What is a leading question and why should it be used cautiously in investigations?

A leading question suggests its own answer and can lead to unreliable witness statements.

What is meant by 'listening' as a critical skill for investigators?

Listening involves fully understanding what witnesses or suspects are saying rather than preparing the next question.