1. Compiled by Erica EllsworthCompiled by Erica Ellsworth

2. 
 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?

3. 
 Collection Procedure
 Experts
 Primary or Secondary
Credibility

4. 
 Standard operating procedures
 Gloves
 Technical analyst
 Where was evidence collected?
 Evidence preservation or degradation
 Web site?
 Book?
 Type of journal
Collection Procedures

5. 
• 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

6. 
 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

7. 
 What are your biases?
 Experience
 Education
 Personal ethics/beliefs
 What are the author’s biases?
 Experience
 Education
 Personal ethics/beliefs
 Publication source
Bias

8. 
 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