Meaning of Evidence

Bill and Jordan return after a short winter break and pick up where they left off. Opening with a short recap of the last two episodes, they speak of the differing roles and responsibilities of first responders at crime scenes. Bill offers some insight into their reactions to the unique and unexpected realities presented with each event and crime scene. 

Criminal investigations and prosecutions boil down to whether there is enough evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that a crime or crimes were committed and the individual or people on trial committed or were somehow connected to the crimes. All of the information gathered during the investigation may be deemed critical to proving or disproving the criminal charges, but the judge, acting as the “gatekeeper” determines whether the pieces are relevant, have probative value and are obtained in a lawful manner? Bill explains the legal process that leads to the judge’s rulings.

Listen as Bill clarifies a few legal definitions regarding evidence and explains why and how the road from initial discovery to a presentation before a jury is long, winding, and arduous. The process is complex and before any judicial rulings are made, the information must first be vetted through many sources including, the Rules of Evidence, the Rules of the Court, the Rules of Criminal Procedure, criminal statutes and current caselaw. Literally, several thousand pages of collective information, much of which is in a constant stage of review and updating.