Source: Examine whether the source is valid (is it Case Study to Support Link to Assignment
accurate/current/bias/opinion/prejudice etc?) Brief (if applicable)
Evidence Prosecution’s evidence must be convincing to the CPS to 13 year old Billie-Jo Jenkins murdered in Feb
give some indication of validity, BUT not always 1997, convicted of murdered by foster father.
guaranteed. Defence can show shortcomings or Weapon - 8-inch tent peg, beaten repeatedly in
inconsistencies in evidence in cross-examination. her family home while the family was out.
For evidence to be valid it needs to be admissible, Argument about domestic matters, erratic
meaning that it must be obtained in a lawful way that behaviour.
can be presented in court. Forensic evidence against Sion Jenkins were 158
Needs to be reliable, meaning that is accurate, so details microscopic particles of blood. (circumstance)
in the documents, believable character. Sion found Billie-Jo, who said she felt stalked and
Needs to be credible, meaning the evidence must be police were informed about these claims but no
believable on reasonable grounds and circumstances. Is resolve or consideration in trial. 24th of February,
it hearsay? Sion was arrested in relation to Billie-Jo’s murder.
Unbiased as tangible evidence, but opinions on how it is Strongly denied that he was involved in his
collected. Material is usually accurate from procedure in daughter’s murder. Three weeks later, he was
collecting it. Influenced by circumstances such as charged with her murder.
multiple explanations for evidence being there (Sion) 1999, Sion appealed his conviction, claiming that
Evidence is good information when collected properly the forensic evidence in the case was “inaccurate”
and that the verdict should be quashed. 2-year
Eye-witness testimony is not always valid. Memory and investigation headed by the Criminal Cases
evidence can be affected by factors, such as: time event Review Commission, the case was transferred
was, post-event discussion, length of time since incident, back to the Court of Appeal. three-month retrial,
misleading questions, stress, pressure, confusion. Lack of the jury was unable to reach a verdict. A second
validity. retrial was called and in February of 2006, they
Can be racial prejudice to pick someone on the idea too were unable to reach a verdict. Sion Jenkins
person was BAME could skew opinions . Opinions may was declared in consequence not guilty and the
be changed on the circumstances because post-event Crown Prosecution Service would subsequently
formally acquit him of the murder.