The outcome of many criminal law cases will depend upon the strength and admissibility of evidence -- including physical proof, scientific evidence, and witness testimony. Below you will find information on the different types and uses of evidence in a criminal case.

Criminal Evidence Basics:
• Law of Criminal Evidence: Background
• Evidence: The Concept of "Admissibility"

Types of Criminal Evidence:
• Real and Demonstrative Evidence
• Documentary Evidence
• Character as Evidence
• "Hearsay" Evidence

Witness Testimony:
• Leading Questions
• The "Lay Opinion" Rule

Fingerprints, Polygraphs, and DNA:
• Fingerprints: The First ID
• Fingerprint Evidence
• Polygraphs ("Lie Detectors")
• Lie Detector Tests: Do They Tell the Truth?
• DNA Evidence: It's in Your Genes
• DNA: Greater Accuracy
• DNA as an Exoneration Tool