Lecture Notes on Evidence: Confessions and Expert Evidence

Vocabulary flashcards covering confessions, PACE, and expert evidence.

Hearsay Evidence

Evidence consisting of statements made outside of court about other facts, generally inadmissible as it only proves what was said, not what happened.

Confession (PACE Definition)

A statement wholly or partly adverse to the person who made it, whether made to a person in authority or not.

Oppression (in the context of confessions)

Includes torture, inhuman or degrading treatment, and harsh treatment of the person confessing.

Potential Unreliability (regarding confessions)

A situation where something said or done is likely to render a confession unreliable, considering all circumstances.

Section 78(1) PACE

Allows a court to refuse evidence if its admission would have an adverse effect on the fairness of proceedings.

Caution (PACE Code C)

Requires suspects to be informed of the seriousness of the charge before being interviewed.

Appropriate Adult

Someone who accompanies a juvenile or mentally vulnerable person during questioning.

Expert Evidence

A legal principle allowing opinions from qualified individuals based on their study or experience.

Jury Competence

The idea that juries are designed to make decisions based on ordinary, reasonable understanding.

Prosecutor's Fallacy

The misconception that a rare DNA profile automatically implies guilt.