Forensic Evidence and Criminal Investigation: Concepts, Types, and the Most Important Means and Methods Used

Abstract

Criminal evidence is a set of clues used to prove facts related to a specific crime, with the aim of attributing it to a specific person. The defendant can also present this evidence to prove his innocence. Criminal evidence varies according to the type of crime, it may be physical or verbal, and is collected from the crime scene. Criminal evidence is of great importance to the judiciary because it is the legal means of reaching the truth. In order for this evidence to be accepted in court, it must be subject to a set of restrictions and controls, as it must be based on proof and logic, and be logically and materially related to the case, and the judiciary, whether courts or the Public Prosecution, must be convinced of it. Criminal investigation is the process of collecting information and evidence related to crimes for the purpose of investigating them. The time required to complete the investigation varies depending on the type of crime and the availability of sufficient evidence for conviction. The criminal investigation process includes proving the involvement of suspects in the crime, arresting them, and presenting them to the competent court to consider their case and determine the length of the sentence in accordance with the provisions of the law. This research presents the nature of criminal investigation and criminal evidence in terms of concepts, types, and the most important means and methods used, as it attempts to simplify the overlapping or complex legal concepts. The researchers recommend that researchers in various legal fields should make more efforts to spread judicial culture and sciences.