MPOETC Evidence & Trial Practice 2

Question 1

Under the Federal Rules of Evidence, which statement best describes 'hearsay'?

Accepted Answer

An out-of-court statement offered to prove the truth of the matter asserted

Answer

Hearsay is an out-of-court statement offered to prove the truth of the matter asserted, and is generally inadmissible unless an exception applies.

Question 2

A police officer discovers a bloody knife at a crime scene. To be admissible at trial, the officer must establish:

Accepted Answer

An unbroken chain of custody from collection to court

Answer

Chain of custody documentation ensures that physical evidence has not been tampered with or contaminated from the time of collection through trial.

Question 3

Which of the following is an example of demonstrative evidence?

Accepted Answer

A diagram the prosecutor draws to illustrate the crime scene layout

Answer

Demonstrative evidence, such as diagrams, charts, or models, is created to help explain or illustrate other evidence for the jury.

Question 4

When a police officer is subpoenaed to testify at trial, which of the following is the MOST important preparation step?

Accepted Answer

Reviewing the incident report and supplemental reports thoroughly before testifying

Answer

Officers should review their own reports before testifying to refresh their memory and ensure accuracy.

Question 5

The exclusionary rule established in Mapp v. Ohio (1961) holds that:

Accepted Answer

Evidence obtained through unconstitutional searches is inadmissible in state courts

Answer

Mapp v. Ohio applied the exclusionary rule to state courts, barring evidence obtained in violation of the Fourth Amendment.

MPOETC - ACT 120 Certified Police Officer Practice Test