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learningaboutpeople
05/12/2025
Criminology
AC 2.4 assess key influences in affecting the outcomes of criminal cases.
1,798
•
5 Dec 2025
•
Understanding Key Factors Influencing Criminal Case Outcomes
learningaboutpeople
@learningaboutpeople2
1 / 3
Evidence: The Foundation of Every Case
Evidence forms the backbone of any criminal trial - it's the physical and testimonial "facts" that prosecutors and defence teams use to prove guilt or innocence. Without solid evidence, the Crown Prosecution Service won't even take a case to court, which shows just how vital it is.
Physical evidence like DNA and fingerprints carries enormous weight because it seems impossible to argue against. Juries see this type of evidence as objective truth, making it incredibly powerful in swaying verdicts. However, this trust can backfire spectacularly.
The case of Adam Scott perfectly illustrates this danger. He was wrongly convicted of rape because his DNA appeared on evidence - not because he committed the crime, but due to contaminated lab equipment. This shows how evidence that seems bulletproof can actually destroy innocent lives when things go wrong.
Key Point: Evidence might seem factual, but contamination and human error can turn the most "reliable" proof into a weapon against the innocent.
Expert Witnesses, Judges, and Media Influence
Expert witnesses wield massive influence because juries trust their specialised knowledge without question. When a doctor or forensic scientist speaks, their words carry the weight of scientific authority - even when they're completely wrong.
Sally Clark's tragic case demonstrates this perfectly. An expert witness claimed the odds of losing two babies to cot death were 1 in 73 million, making murder seem like the only explanation. This false statistic sent an innocent mother to prison for life, when the real odds were actually 1 in 130,000.
Judges shape outcomes through their legal guidance to juries and their own potential biases. Since 65% of judges are men, cases involving crimes against women might not receive the sympathy they deserve. In juryless trials, one judge holds all the power, amplifying any personal prejudices.
The media adds another layer of influence, despite instructions for juries to avoid news coverage. Research shows 26% of jurors in high-profile cases see online reports during trials. During the 2011 London riots, media pressure led to sentences averaging two months longer than usual.
Key Point: Multiple human factors can override pure facts, showing that justice isn't as objective as we'd like to believe.
The Bottom Line
Evidence remains the most crucial factor in determining criminal case outcomes because it's what juries fundamentally base their guilty or not guilty decisions on. The quantity and quality of evidence against someone directly affects their chances of conviction, making it the cornerstone of our entire justice system.
Understanding these influences helps you see that criminal justice isn't just about finding the truth - it's about navigating human psychology, institutional biases, and the complex interplay between facts and perception.
Key Point: While evidence is king, recognising these other influences is essential for understanding how justice really works in practice.
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Anna
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Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
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Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
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This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
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The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
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In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
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very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
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I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Understanding Key Factors Influencing Criminal Case Outcomes
learningaboutpeople
@learningaboutpeople2
When someone's on trial for a crime, the final verdict isn't just about what actually happened. Several powerful factors can dramatically sway whether someone walks free or ends up behind bars, and understanding these influences is crucial for grasping how... Show more
Evidence: The Foundation of Every Case
Evidence forms the backbone of any criminal trial - it's the physical and testimonial "facts" that prosecutors and defence teams use to prove guilt or innocence. Without solid evidence, the Crown Prosecution Service won't even take a case to court, which shows just how vital it is.
Physical evidence like DNA and fingerprints carries enormous weight because it seems impossible to argue against. Juries see this type of evidence as objective truth, making it incredibly powerful in swaying verdicts. However, this trust can backfire spectacularly.
The case of Adam Scott perfectly illustrates this danger. He was wrongly convicted of rape because his DNA appeared on evidence - not because he committed the crime, but due to contaminated lab equipment. This shows how evidence that seems bulletproof can actually destroy innocent lives when things go wrong.
Key Point: Evidence might seem factual, but contamination and human error can turn the most "reliable" proof into a weapon against the innocent.
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Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Expert Witnesses, Judges, and Media Influence
Expert witnesses wield massive influence because juries trust their specialised knowledge without question. When a doctor or forensic scientist speaks, their words carry the weight of scientific authority - even when they're completely wrong.
Sally Clark's tragic case demonstrates this perfectly. An expert witness claimed the odds of losing two babies to cot death were 1 in 73 million, making murder seem like the only explanation. This false statistic sent an innocent mother to prison for life, when the real odds were actually 1 in 130,000.
Judges shape outcomes through their legal guidance to juries and their own potential biases. Since 65% of judges are men, cases involving crimes against women might not receive the sympathy they deserve. In juryless trials, one judge holds all the power, amplifying any personal prejudices.
The media adds another layer of influence, despite instructions for juries to avoid news coverage. Research shows 26% of jurors in high-profile cases see online reports during trials. During the 2011 London riots, media pressure led to sentences averaging two months longer than usual.
Key Point: Multiple human factors can override pure facts, showing that justice isn't as objective as we'd like to believe.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
The Bottom Line
Evidence remains the most crucial factor in determining criminal case outcomes because it's what juries fundamentally base their guilty or not guilty decisions on. The quantity and quality of evidence against someone directly affects their chances of conviction, making it the cornerstone of our entire justice system.
Understanding these influences helps you see that criminal justice isn't just about finding the truth - it's about navigating human psychology, institutional biases, and the complex interplay between facts and perception.
Key Point: While evidence is king, recognising these other influences is essential for understanding how justice really works in practice.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user