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Updated Mar 29, 2026

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2 pages

How Evidence is Processed in Criminology: Physical and Testimonial Evidence

Luna

@adhdluna_

How evidence is processed in criminologyinvolves handling both physical... Show more

# Unit 3 - AC1.3: Explain how
evidence is processed

There are two types of evidence: physical and testimonial. Physical evidence is
actual

Continued: How Evidence is Processed in Criminology

This page further explores the processing of physical and testimonial evidence, including examples of improper handling.

Physical Evidence Storage and Analysis

Proper storage and analysis of physical evidence is crucial for maintaining its integrity and admissibility in court.

Definition: How is physical evidence analyzed involves scientific examination in forensic laboratories using specialized techniques to extract useful information.

Key points on physical evidence analysis:

DNA samples from blood and semen are compared to database records.
Bite mark impressions can be cast and compared to dental records.
Improper handling can contaminate or degrade physical evidence.

Example: In the Meredith Kercher case, key DNA evidence was compromised by improper collection techniques, including handling without gloves.

Testimonial Evidence Handling

The proper collection and analysis of testimonial evidence is critical for its use in criminal proceedings.

Vocabulary: How is testimonial evidence transferred to court involves careful documentation and disclosure of witness statements prior to trial.

Key points on testimonial evidence handling:

Witness statements must be accurately recorded and properly sealed.
Both prosecution and defense must disclose witness lists before trial.
Vulnerable witnesses may give testimony via video link.
Expert testimony must be carefully scrutinized for accuracy.

Highlight: Improperly obtained or analyzed testimonial evidence can lead to wrongful convictions, as in the case of Sally Clark due to flawed expert testimony.

Quote: "There was a one in 73 million chance that there could be two cot deaths within the same family" - Sir Roy Meadow's incorrect expert testimony that led to a false conviction.

Unit 3 - AC1.3: Explain How Evidence is Processed

This section covers the two main types of evidence in criminology - physical and testimonial - and explains how each is properly processed, stored, and analyzed.

Physical Evidence Processing

Physical evidence includes material items like DNA samples, weapons, or photographs. Its handling is based on Locard's exchange principle that every contact leaves a trace.

Definition: Physical evidence refers to tangible objects or biological samples collected from a crime scene that can be scientifically analyzed.

Key points on processing physical evidence:

Blood stains must dry naturally before collection and be analyzed within 28 hours.
Semen stains should dry, then be packaged in paper and plastic bags.
DNA from blood and semen is checked against databases for matches.
Bite marks are photographed and may be cast to compare dental records.

Example: In the Meredith Kercher murder case, physical evidence was mishandled when officers improperly collected DNA samples weeks after the crime.

Testimonial Evidence Processing

Testimonial evidence consists of witness statements, expert testimony, and victim accounts.

Vocabulary: How is testimonial evidence analyzed involves carefully recording statements and determining their admissibility in court.

Key points on processing testimonial evidence:

Police record witness statements in notebooks or via audio recording.
Recorded statements must be properly sealed, labeled and signed.
All testimonial evidence must be disclosed before trial.
Witnesses typically testify in person, but may use video in some cases.

Highlight: Improperly obtained testimonial evidence, like that from entrapment, may be deemed inadmissible in court.

Quote: "Every contact leaves a trace" - Edmond Locard's exchange principle that guides physical evidence collection.

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Criminology

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9,598

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Updated Mar 29, 2026

•

2 pages

How Evidence is Processed in Criminology: Physical and Testimonial Evidence

Luna

@adhdluna_

How evidence is processed in criminologyinvolves handling both physical and testimonial evidence carefully. Physical evidence like DNA samples must be properly collected, stored, and analyzed in forensic labs. Testimonial evidence from witnesses requires accurate recording and may be presented... Show more

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Continued: How Evidence is Processed in Criminology

This page further explores the processing of physical and testimonial evidence, including examples of improper handling.

Physical Evidence Storage and Analysis

Proper storage and analysis of physical evidence is crucial for maintaining its integrity and admissibility in court.

Definition: How is physical evidence analyzed involves scientific examination in forensic laboratories using specialized techniques to extract useful information.

Key points on physical evidence analysis:

DNA samples from blood and semen are compared to database records.
Bite mark impressions can be cast and compared to dental records.
Improper handling can contaminate or degrade physical evidence.

Example: In the Meredith Kercher case, key DNA evidence was compromised by improper collection techniques, including handling without gloves.

Testimonial Evidence Handling

The proper collection and analysis of testimonial evidence is critical for its use in criminal proceedings.

Vocabulary: How is testimonial evidence transferred to court involves careful documentation and disclosure of witness statements prior to trial.

Key points on testimonial evidence handling:

Witness statements must be accurately recorded and properly sealed.
Both prosecution and defense must disclose witness lists before trial.
Vulnerable witnesses may give testimony via video link.
Expert testimony must be carefully scrutinized for accuracy.

Highlight: Improperly obtained or analyzed testimonial evidence can lead to wrongful convictions, as in the case of Sally Clark due to flawed expert testimony.

Quote: "There was a one in 73 million chance that there could be two cot deaths within the same family" - Sir Roy Meadow's incorrect expert testimony that led to a false conviction.

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

Unit 3 - AC1.3: Explain How Evidence is Processed

This section covers the two main types of evidence in criminology - physical and testimonial - and explains how each is properly processed, stored, and analyzed.

Physical Evidence Processing

Physical evidence includes material items like DNA samples, weapons, or photographs. Its handling is based on Locard's exchange principle that every contact leaves a trace.

Definition: Physical evidence refers to tangible objects or biological samples collected from a crime scene that can be scientifically analyzed.

Key points on processing physical evidence:

Blood stains must dry naturally before collection and be analyzed within 28 hours.
Semen stains should dry, then be packaged in paper and plastic bags.
DNA from blood and semen is checked against databases for matches.
Bite marks are photographed and may be cast to compare dental records.

Example: In the Meredith Kercher murder case, physical evidence was mishandled when officers improperly collected DNA samples weeks after the crime.

Testimonial Evidence Processing

Testimonial evidence consists of witness statements, expert testimony, and victim accounts.

Vocabulary: How is testimonial evidence analyzed involves carefully recording statements and determining their admissibility in court.

Key points on processing testimonial evidence:

Police record witness statements in notebooks or via audio recording.
Recorded statements must be properly sealed, labeled and signed.
All testimonial evidence must be disclosed before trial.
Witnesses typically testify in person, but may use video in some cases.

Highlight: Improperly obtained testimonial evidence, like that from entrapment, may be deemed inadmissible in court.

Quote: "Every contact leaves a trace" - Edmond Locard's exchange principle that guides physical evidence collection.