AC3.1: Examine information for validity
1) Testimony of experts
Reliable source of information, experts in their field (e.g. Forensic scientists,
pathologists, etc.)
Jury would be most compelled/convinced by an expert. Though the expert may not
always be right (E.g. Sally Clark, medical experts wrong)
Can rely on, but there is always doubt
2) Forensic evidence
Evidence collected after golden hour, crime scene has been secured leading to no
contamination of evidence = reliable information
Can rely on heavily, one of the strongest sources of information
Analysed by experts - Forensic scientists
Taken in a controlled manner = secure
DNA in unique to an individual - links suspects to the crime (Great sense of validity)
Enough to cast doubt
3) The Tabloid press
Mix of fact and fiction, not reliable source
Somewhat exaggerated to draw the attention of the reader, gossip, dramatic
headings
Has reputation for being sued over the publishing of inaccurate information
Attention and articles
Oversensationalised
Great at reporting crime, but to suspects is dangerous ploy
Case study: Murder of Joanna Yeates (media, bias and reporting) [Christopher
Jefferies]
4) Social media
Exaggerated view, so won’t be very reliable source, may be the same as the
Tabloids to draw in the individual reading the article or post on social media
May have videos of what has happened - paints the event/crime in a different light,
may not be the whole story
Reliable if the source has come directly from a police forces social media page
5) Eye witnesses
Memory of the event/crime could become skewed with other information about the
crime from media, social media, other witnesses, etc., which may affect their
testimony in court
Overall, they are reliable for information concerning a crime as they have witnessed it
first hand
Statements between witnesses need consistency and corroboration across them,
each statement can be questioned in court.
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1) Testimony of experts
Reliable source of information, experts in their field (e.g. Forensic scientists,
pathologists, etc.)
Jury would be most compelled/convinced by an expert. Though the expert may not
always be right (E.g. Sally Clark, medical experts wrong)
Can rely on, but there is always doubt
2) Forensic evidence
Evidence collected after golden hour, crime scene has been secured leading to no
contamination of evidence = reliable information
Can rely on heavily, one of the strongest sources of information
Analysed by experts - Forensic scientists
Taken in a controlled manner = secure
DNA in unique to an individual - links suspects to the crime (Great sense of validity)
Enough to cast doubt
3) The Tabloid press
Mix of fact and fiction, not reliable source
Somewhat exaggerated to draw the attention of the reader, gossip, dramatic
headings
Has reputation for being sued over the publishing of inaccurate information
Attention and articles
Oversensationalised
Great at reporting crime, but to suspects is dangerous ploy
Case study: Murder of Joanna Yeates (media, bias and reporting) [Christopher
Jefferies]
4) Social media
Exaggerated view, so won’t be very reliable source, may be the same as the
Tabloids to draw in the individual reading the article or post on social media
May have videos of what has happened - paints the event/crime in a different light,
may not be the whole story
Reliable if the source has come directly from a police forces social media page
5) Eye witnesses
Memory of the event/crime could become skewed with other information about the
crime from media, social media, other witnesses, etc., which may affect their
testimony in court
Overall, they are reliable for information concerning a crime as they have witnessed it
first hand
Statements between witnesses need consistency and corroboration across them,
each statement can be questioned in court.
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