MPOETC Evidence & Trial Practice 5

Question 1

Exculpatory evidence — evidence favorable to the defendant — must be disclosed to the defense under which legal obligation?

Accepted Answer

The Brady doctrine requiring disclosure of all material exculpatory evidence

Answer

Brady v. Maryland requires prosecutors (and by extension, police) to disclose material exculpatory evidence to the defense.

Question 2

An officer photographs a crime scene. These photographs are BEST classified as:

Accepted Answer

Demonstrative evidence because they illustrate what the scene looked like

Answer

Crime scene photographs are demonstrative evidence — they illustrate and help explain real conditions for the jury.

Question 3

Under the Confrontation Clause of the Sixth Amendment, a defendant has the right to:

Accepted Answer

Cross-examine witnesses who testify against them

Answer

The Confrontation Clause guarantees a defendant the right to face and cross-examine witnesses who offer testimony against them.

Question 4

Which of the following statements about circumstantial evidence is CORRECT?

Accepted Answer

Circumstantial evidence can be sufficient alone to support a conviction

Answer

Circumstantial evidence, which requires an inference to connect it to a fact, can be sufficient by itself to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Question 5

If a police officer discovers that their testimony conflicts with a statement in their own report, the officer should:

Accepted Answer

Acknowledge the report, request to review it, and clarify any discrepancy honestly

Answer

An officer should acknowledge the written report, review it, and honestly clarify any difference between the report and their current recollection.

MPOETC - ACT 120 Certified Police Officer Practice Test