Maps, Models, Duplicates, & Diagrams

Maps, Models, Duplicates, & Diagrams

Maps, models, duplicates and diagrams are examples of real evidence that allow the judge and/or jury in a criminal trial to have better visualization of what allegedly occurred. Maps, models, duplicates and diagrams are often used to assist the judge and/or jury in understanding oral testimony.

For a map, model, duplicate, or diagrams to be admissible as evidence it must be accurately depict what it purports to depict. Maps prepared by the Canadian government are automatically admissible.

Example

Person A is on trial for murder after shooting person B multiple times in a bar parking lot. At trial, a witness who saw the shooting occur uses the assistance of a diagram of the parking lot to help the jury understand where the parties were standing during the shooting. Later in the trial, the medical examiner, an expert witness, utilizes a diagram of the victim’s body to illustrate to the court where each of the bullets entered the victim’s body.

Common Examples of Maps, Models, Duplicates and Diagrams as Evidence

Common examples of photographic evidence used in criminal trials include:

  • Maps of geographic areas
  • Model or duplicate of a weapon
  • Hand drawn diagram of a crime scene
  • Diagram of the location of gunshot wounds on a victim
  • Recreation of a crime scene showing where bullet casings were located

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In criminal cases, there are very strict rules governing what evidence can be used and how it can be used.

The rights enjoyed of all those within Canada are contained in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Criminal procedure is the process by which an accused person is arrested and brought through the justice system.

Sentencing refers to the punishment that is ordered when an individual is found guilty of a criminal offence.

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Offences in Canada are listed in the Criminal Code. They include crimes related to people, vehicles and weapons.

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