Compiled by Erica EllsworthCompiled by Erica Ellsworth

Tangible – can be touched

Gun powder residue Photographs Video surveillance

Intangible – cannot be touched Psychological exam “he said/she said” dialogue Written (like journal articles or books)

What is Evidence?

Collection Procedure Experts Primary or Secondary

Credibility

Standard operating procedures

Gloves Technical analyst

Where was evidence collected? Evidence preservation or degradation Web site? Book? Type of journal

Collection Procedures

• What qualifications does the expert have? • Specialized training• Advanced degree• Experience in field

• Are they in the area you are looking at?• Drug user versus counselor – who is

more of an expert? More credible?

Experts

Primary

“first” evidence/source Nothing between evidence and analysis Witness interview Blood spatter Initial report

Secondary Evidence is repeated by someone else He said/she said Report of a study in a journal (study is primary)

Primary or Secondary

What are your biases?

Experience Education Personal ethics/beliefs

What are the author’s biases? Experience Education Personal ethics/beliefs Publication source

Bias

Think about where your information comes

from Think about biases in the information Think about what is missing Think about what is overemphasized Think about target audience Think about publication source

Think, think, think