Every kind of evidence that is submitted in the lab needs to have value and assist in finding a solution to the crime being investigated. The evident should also have some weight and a degree of persuasive value for it to be considered appropriate ( Mulligan & O’Leary, 2015 ). The amount and variety of evidence that is usually gathered in a crime scene can be extensive. In such cases, it is imperative to select the best evidence for submission to the lab. The main challenge that investigators face when it comes to select the evidence to submit to the lab is the determination of the probative value. In some cases, it is not easy for the investigators to determine the persuasive value and the weight of any kind of evidence that they collect in a typical crime scene. Furthermore, it is not easy to find out whether the evidence has value that will help in proving a point of fact in the case that is being investigated. Forensic investigators are expected top always collect evidence that will help in solving cases that are brought before them. The process entails collecting pieces of evidence that have probative value. The probative value of the evidence relates to the extent to which it can be used to prove an issue or establish the existence of a fact in a case ( Peterson et al., 2010 ). These types of evidence help the investigators to get a final resolution to a disputed issue. The primary factor that can help to determine a piece of evidence that has the most probative value is whether it tends to prove an issue. The investigators must carefully assess the relevant evidence and find out if they are proving or disapproving a fact. It is only after such steps are undertaken that the team is able to make a conclusion regarding the probative value of the evidence.
References
Mulligan, C., & O’Leary, A. (2015). Accessing the probative value of physical evidence at crime scenes with ambient mass spectrometry and portable instrumentation . Washington DC: US Department of Justice.
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Peterson, J., Sommers, I., Baskin, D., & Johnson, D. (2010). The role and impact of forensic evidence in the criminal justice process. Washington DC: US Department of Justice.
