what is the general rule concerning the admissibility of evidence relating to things connected with the crime?
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer:
Evidence relating to things connected with the crime is generally admissible if it is relevant and has probative value that outweighs any prejudicial effect.
Explanation:
In legal proceedings, particularly in criminal trials, the admissibility of evidence is governed by rules designed to ensure fairness and truth-seeking. The general rule is that evidence of things connected with the crime may be admitted if it meets the criteria of relevance and materiality. Relevance means the evidence has a tendency to make a fact more or less probable than it would be without the evidence. Materiality means the fact is of consequence to determining the case.
For example, items found at a crime scene, such as weapons, fingerprints, clothing, or surveillance footage, may be admitted if they can help establish a link between the accused and the crime. This connection could show motive, opportunity, intent, preparation, plan, knowledge, identity, or absence of mistake.
However, admissibility is also limited by the rule against unfair prejudice. This means that even if the evidence is relevant, it may be excluded if its potential to unfairly sway the jury emotionally outweighs its actual usefulness in proving a fact. Courts use discretion to balance probative value against prejudicial effect.
Chain of custody must also be maintained to ensure the evidence has not been tampered with or altered. Any break in the chain could lead to challenges to its admissibility. Additionally, evidence obtained illegally—such as through unlawful searches or seizures—may be excluded under the exclusionary rule, even if it is directly connected to the crime.
In summary, evidence relating to things connected with the crime is generally admissible if it is relevant, material, and legally obtained, and if its probative value is not substantially outweighed by the risk of unfair prejudice.