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4: STANDARDS OF PROOF, ADMISSIBILITY OF EVIDENCE, AND WARRANTLESS SEARCHES

  • Page ID
    67558
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    • 4.1: STANDARDS OF PROOF
      This page examines various legal standards of proof, including probable cause, reasonable suspicion, beyond a reasonable doubt, and preponderance of evidence. Probable cause indicates a fair probability, while reasonable suspicion demands even less proof without a fixed percentage. Beyond a reasonable doubt is the highest standard for criminal cases, necessitating the removal of all reasonable doubt about guilt.
    • 4.2: ADMISSIBILITY OF EVIDENCE
      This page covers the relevance and admissibility of evidence under federal rules, focusing on Rules 401, 402, and 403. It explains that evidence is relevant if it aids in proving facts but notes exceptions for certain inadmissible evidence, like character evidence in civil cases. Rule 403 allows the exclusion of relevant evidence if prejudicial effects outweigh probative value.
    • 4.3: WARRANTLESS SEARCHES
      This page outlines exceptions to the U.S. Fourth Amendment that permit warrantless searches, such as consent, vehicle searches based on probable cause, exigent circumstances, searches incident to arrest, and the plain view doctrine. Additionally, the page explains the case Horton v. California, which redefined the "plain view" doctrine by eliminating the need for inadvertent discovery and establishing a three-prong test for lawful seizure of evidence.
    • 4.4: CHAPTER SOURCES


    This page titled 4: STANDARDS OF PROOF, ADMISSIBILITY OF EVIDENCE, AND WARRANTLESS SEARCHES was last modified on Fri, 28 Aug 2026 21:21:30 GMT and is shared under a CC BY 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by George Cartwright.