What are the rules of evidence to be presented in criminal cases?

In criminal cases in Pennsylvania, the rules of evidence that must be followed are based on the Pennsylvania Rules of Evidence, which are modeled after the Federal Rules of Evidence. These rules set out the standards for what evidence can be introduced in court and how it can be presented. Generally speaking, the rules of evidence allow only relevant and reliable evidence to be presented in criminal proceedings. Relevant evidence is evidence that has a direct bearing on the issue at hand, while reliable evidence is that which has been properly authenticated and is not subject to fabrication or hearsay. In criminal cases in Pennsylvania, testimony from witnesses is often used to prove or disprove the facts of a case. To be considered competent to testify, a witness must first be qualified and must be able to explain their testimony in a clear and concise manner. In addition, the prosecutor must show that a witness has personal knowledge of the facts being presented. Expert witnesses may also be used in criminal proceedings. These witnesses are called upon to provide specialized expertise and can also offer evidence to support or refute claims. Physical evidence is another type of evidence used in criminal cases in Pennsylvania. This type of evidence includes things like weapons, drugs, or DNA samples. Physical evidence is usually highly reliable and can be used to corroborate or refute the testimony of witnesses. Finally, documents and records are also used to establish facts in criminal cases. These can include things like financial records, police reports, or medical records. It is important to note that documents used as evidence must be properly authenticated.

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What are the rules of evidence to be presented in criminal cases?

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