FORS REVIWER FINALS 4.

Photography is necessary in the

interrogation of suspects. A series of
SIGNIFICANCE OF PHOTOGRAPHY IN POLICE photographs will show the action or
WORK reactions of the suspects at the time he
made a confession.
In modern scientific crime detection
photography is indeed an excellent aid of the 5. 5. Photography can provide a system or
investigator. The investigator could not just rely technique in making visible things that
on his memories and therefore need an artificial cannot be seen by the naked eye.
recorder for him to remember all the things and
facts that he had investigated. Aside from the 6. 6. Photography can be useful in the
notes of the investigator, he needs a camera determination of the truth respecting a
because there are things which require accurate matter of fact. Evidence that cannot be
descriptions of subjects or objects being brought inside the court room can be
investigated, hence photographs will serve the presented by means of photographs.
purpose.
CRIME SCENE PHOTOGRAPHY
The first application of photography in
law enforcement was confined to the problems -Sometimes referred as Forensic Photography
of personal identification. The photographers of or Forensic Imaging.
the criminal were taken and used to
-It is the art of producing an accurate
supplement the classification made under the
reproduction of a crime scene or an accident
Bertillon System of personal identification.
scene using Photography for the benefit of the
FIVE LEGAL METHODS OF PRESERVING THE COURT or to aid in an investigation.
CRIME SCENE
-It is also the one of the most important steps in
1. Photography the entire investigation process. As one of the
primary documentation components,
2. Sketching systematic, organized visual record of an
undisturbed crime scene must be achieved.
3. Notes taking or description
PURPOSE OF CRIME SCENE PHOTOGRAPHY
4. Manikin method
➢ Provide a visual record of the scene and
5. Preservation in the mind of the witness related areas;
IMPORTANCE OF PHOTOGRAPHY IN LAW ➢ To record the initial appearance of the
ENFORCEMENT crime scene and physical evidence
1. The utmost use of it is for record ➢ To provide the investigators and others
purposes. Photography will record the with the permanent record subsequent
scene of the crime permanently. analysis of the scene
2. Photography can preserve all perishable ➢ To provide the permanent record to the
evidence. court.
3. Photography can be used in the FORENSIC PHOTOGRAPHER
identification of physical evidence.
-Commonly referred to as a crime scene
photographer or an evidence photographer
-is a professional photographer who is skilled in in the case. The first step in the investigation of
the art of producing only the most exact, any crime is to photograph all aspects of the
detailed photographs that record the crime crime scene completely and accurately before
scene and the physical evidence within the any of the objects of evidence are removed or
crime scene as objectively and accurately as otherwise disturbed. Photographs should also
possible be taken after a body or bodies have been
removed. It is always better to take too many
TASK OF SCENE OF THE CRIME OPERATION’S photographs than too few.
FORENSIC PHOTOGRAPHER
3. RECONSTRUCTION OF CRIME SCENE - A
1. Photograph entire area before it is study of photographs can also assist the trained
entered investigator or crime scene specialist in
reconstructing the crime scene and developing
2. Photograph victims, crowd and vehicles.
conclusions about how the crime occurred. In
3. Photograph entire scene with general, addition, the photographs will make the job of
medium, close-up coverage and the prosecutor much easier when a case is
extreme close-up view using presented in a court room. When necessary,
measurement Scale when appropriate. photographs can be coordinated with crime
scene sketches or drawings that are made to
4. Photograph major evidence items scale.
before they are moved. Coordinate this
effort with the Sketcher, Evidence DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY
Custodian and Evidence Recovery
• A form of photography that uses digital
Personnel.
technology to make images of subjects.
5. Photograph all latent fingerprints, and • Digital photographs can be displayed,
other impression evidence before lifting printed, stored, manipulated,
and casting is accomplished. transmitted, and archived using digital
and computer techniques without
6. Photograph blueprints, maps and chemical processing.
previous photographs of scene, as • It is one of several forms of digital
required. imaging.
• These are created by non-photographic
7. Take final photographs to show final
equipment such as computer
condition as released.
tomography Scanners and radio
IMPORTANCE OF CRIME SCENE PHOTOGRAPHY telescopes.
• It can also be made by scanning
[Link] RECORD - A permanent record conventional photographic images.
of the crime scene is considered indispensable
to a successful presentation of the case in court. DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY FEATURES
A crime scene that is altered through
[Link] - It read the intensity of the light as
carelessness and haste can never be restored to
filtered through different color filters.
its exact original condition.
[Link] - Digital memory devices store the
2. SIGNIFICANCE OF CERTAIN ASPECTS OF THE
digital image information, either as RGB color
CRIME SCENE - Also, in the initial stages of an
space or as raw data. Nearly all digital cameras
investigation, the significance of certain aspects
now use built in and/or removable solid state
of the crime scene may not be evident,
flash memory.
although later they may vitally affect the issues
[Link] and connectivity - A digital 2. Minimal ongoing costs for those wishing
memory device is usually used for storing to capture hundreds of photographs.
images, which may then be transferred to a
computer later. It can take pictures, and may 3. Permanent storage on digital media is
also record sound and video. It can be Used as considerably cheaper than film.
webcams. Some can use the Pict Bridge
4. Photos may be copied from one digital
standard to connect to a printer without using a
medium to another.
computer. lt can display pictures directly on a
television set. 5. Pictures need not to be scanned before
viewing on a computer.
4. Performance metrics - Quality of a digital
image is the Sum of various factors, many of 6. Ability to print photos using a computer
which are similar to film cameras. and consumer-grade printer.
a. Pixel count -Created by marketing 7. Ability to embed meta data within the image
organizations of digital camera file.
manufacturers because consumers can
use it easily to compare camera 8. Ability to capture and store hundreds of
capabilities. photographs on the same media device.

b. Resolution- provides an indication of 9. It include AV-out connector and cable to

the amount of detail that is allow the reviewing of photographs to an
captured. It is simply based on the audience using a television.
number of pixels produced by the
image sensor. 10. Anti-shake functionality.

c. Dynamic range- the range of 11. Ability to use same device to capture video
luminosity which can be reproduced as well as still images.
accurately.
12. Ability to convert the same photo from color
5. Sensor size and angle of view - Cameras to sepia to black and white.
with digital sensors that are smaller than the
CONSIDERATIONS FOR DIGITAL CAMERA
typical 35 mm film size will have a smaller field
or angle of view when used with a lens or the [Link] computer technology may make
same focal length. Angle of view is a function of digital photographs inaccessible in the future.
both focal length and the sensor or film size
used. [Link] of digital photographs in court
proceedings
6. Digital camera backs - Most digital cameras
are built to operate as a self-contained unit. [Link] of demonstrating an image's
This is especially so at the lower-end, for these authenticity.
cameras usually include zoom lens and flashes
that cannot be changed. Scanning and multi- [Link] requires batteries that need to be recharged
shot camera backs are usually used only in or replaced frequently which means
studios to take pictures of still objects. photographer needs access to electrical outlets.

ADVANTAGES OF DIGITAL CAMERA [Link] is much more sensitive to moisture and

extreme cold.
1. Instant review of pictures.
TYPES OF DIGITAL CAMERA imaging, and in general the production of most
bitmap- and vector-based assets.
[Link] PHONES
ADVANTAGES OF VIDEOGRAPHY
-Cameras built right into the phone.
Video gives immediate results without the need
-It has zoom ability. for processing.
-Some even come with a flash or light source. Video can be used more than once simply by
recording over previous recordings.
They are usually shipped with software and
cables that enable you to download your Visual movement allows the viewer to
photographs onto your computer. accurately perceive the scene as it is shown.
[Link] CAMERA Sound may be included.
-Far more popular. Video camera - It is attached to a separate
recorder or playback unit.
-It has an LCD screen to compose and review
your photographs which enables you to Video camcorder - It has built-in recorder or
compose your picture using both eyes playback unit.
-Navigation button next to screen allow you to Crime Scene Videography - it is valuable as an
bring up any picture you have taken, zoom in to overview for presentation in court as well as a
ensure it is in focus, erase it or review tiny moving analysis of the scene. It allows for a
thumbnails or each of your images. documented perspective of the crime scene
which cannot be captured in reports,
-Modes can be set up.
interviews, or photographs.
3. DIGITAL SLR’S CAMERA
CONSIDERATIONS IN VIDEOGRAPHY
It behaves like their film-based counterparts
• Prior to videotaping, the investigator
with the same body but with different
should walk the designated
electronics on the side.
videographer through the scene.
VIDEOGRAPHY
• Videos should begin with an overall
It refers to the process of capturing moving general view of the scene.
images on electronic media.
• If the scene is indoors, then the video
The term includes methods of electronic should include an overall pan of the
production and post production. outside location.

It is the equivalent of cinematography, but with • The tape should then include a brief
images recorded on electronic media instead of preamble by the investigator which
film stock. includes the narrator’s name, the case
number, time, date, location of the
It covers many more fields than just shooting incident and a concise description of all
video with a camera including digital animation rooms and evidence to be viewed in the
(such as Flash), gaming, web streaming, video tape.
blogging, still slideshows, remote sensing,
spatial imaging, medical imaging, security
• Upon completion of this introduction, WEEK 14
audio should be disabled as to not bias
the jury and Videotaping of the scene Application of Photography in Forensic
should begin with a general overview of Sciences
the crime scene and adjoining areas
Photography is the driving force behind any
• The only exception to this is the investigation. It is the best means of recording
inclusion of explanation of what a given the scene of a crime. Photography produces
piece evidence. courtroom displays that bring the jury to the
crime scene. Everyone looks at and understands
• However, care must be taken not to say what a photograph is and what it represents.
anything that could emotionally bias a Looking at a photograph and seeing the
jury as doing so can result in the judge evidence that is usually invisible is a new
denying the videotape as evidence. concept.

• Upon initiation of crime scene video Finally, with little preparation, a few filters, and
analysis, the Cameraman should use remarkable crime scene upgrades in equipment,
Close-Up and wide-angle views to show we can see the invisible-the hidden evidence.
the location of evidence, relevance of
evidence, and the scene layout. How does this assist the investigator?
Evidence that could not be photographed
• Slow Camera movements such as before now can be easily captured. Blood on
zooming and panning should be used dark clothing, gunshot residue, semen, hair,
while videotaping. questioned documents, ink differences, partially
burned items, and much more can be captured
• Close-Ups of Small items of evidence be made visible with a UV/IR camera. With a
should include a scale to illustrate the little bit of practice and a good tripod, you can
size of the item. capture ultraviolet and infrared images with
• NO personnel should be present in the excellent results.
video whatsoever and the content must Several types of evidence are commonly found
be relevant to the case and not produce at crime scenes. Each item of evidence must be
a level of emotional bias that would be documented photographically, showing its
unacceptable to a given judge deciding location and appearance. In the previous
on the admissibility of the evidence. chapter the basic concepts of evidence
• Ideally, camera work should be photography were discussed. This chapter
accomplished by a professional trained provides more specialized techniques for
to walk through the crime scene photographing evidence commonly found at
without disturbing any evidence. crime scenes.

• Furthermore, Videotaping does NOT The techniques in this chapter can also be
replace crime scene photography. applied in a laboratory setting. For example,
Rather, it acts as a more graphical fingerprints on an item that will be collected as
representation of different aspects of evidence may either be photographed at the
the scene. scene before packaging or later in the
laboratory. Several factors may be considered in
Application of Photography in Forensic this example. It may be safer to photograph the
Sciences fingerprint at the scene if there is a chance the
fingerprint will be damaged when the evidence
is transported to the laboratory, or it may be and eliminate the ability to photograph the
more effective to photograph the fingerprint in impression afterward. Also, photographs of an
the laboratory due to the specialized lighting impression are taken in case there is a problem
available on a copy stand. It will be up to the with the cast. If the casting fails, the photograph
crime scene photographer to determine which may be used to make an identification.
would be the best course of action for each
item of evidence. At minor crime scenes impressions are usually
photographed without casting. If the impression
Footwear Impressions is properly photographed positive identification
linking a suspect or vehicle to the crime is
The techniques in this chapter can also be possible.
applied in a laboratory setting. For example,
fingerprints on an item that will be collected as Guidelines in taking Footwear Impressions
evidence may either be photographed at the
scene before packaging or later in the When taking photographs of footwear or tire
laboratory. Several factors may be considered in impressions begin with a photograph to show
this example. It may be safer to photograph the where the impression is located in the crime
fingerprint at the scene if there is a chance the scene.
fingerprint will be damaged when the evidence
It is important to include a recognizable
is transported to the laboratory, or it may be
landmark in the photograph so the location of
more effective to photograph the fingerprint in
the impression is understood.
the laboratory due to the specialized lighting
available on a copy stand. It will be up to the If the impression is near a landmark, such as in a
crime scene photographer to determine which flowerbed at the corner of a house, a mid-range
would be the best course of action for each photograph probably would be adequate to
item of evidence. show the location of the impression.
Footwear and tire impressions are perhaps the If the impression is farther away from a
most overlooked evidence at a crime scene. recognizable landmark, such as an impression
When impressions are collected it is possible on a dirt driveway twenty yards from the house,
that identifications can be made linking a additional photographs would be necessary.
suspect or vehicle to the crime. Impression
evidence can be collected by casting (filling the An overview photograph showing the driveway
impression with a compound that hardens and with the house in the background would be
retains the shape and characteristics of the followed with a mid-range photograph of the
impression) and with photography. impression on the driveway.

Photographs of impressions are often used to It may be necessary to include an evidence

make positive identifications, but casting of marker in both the overview and mid-range
impressions provides the best evidence. This is photographs to clearly show the location of the
because impressions are three-dimensional and impression in the photographs.
casting preserves three-dimensional evidence.
The depth of tread and imperfections on the There may be times where it is not possible to
sides of the tread are preserved with casting. show the exact location of an impression with
photographs. The impression may be located in
At major crime scenes impressions should be an area with no recognizable landmarks nearby,
photographed before they are casted. such as in an open area of the desert.
Photography is done first because casting the
impression will destroy the original impression
In this case the use of a GPS device (to give Showing the orientation can be accomplished
location) and a compass (to indicate direction with a mid-range photograph that includes the
the evidence is oriented) may be the only way window and the impressions
to document the exact position of the
impression. If it is difficult to see the orientation of the
impressions in the mid-range photograph, an
In such a case you could record the GPS arrow (indicating north) can be included in both
information in your notes, and in the the mid-range and close-up photographs.
photograph of the impression include an arrow
that is oriented to indicate north. In order to get as much detail recorded on the
film as possible, your camera should be
To take a close-up photograph of an impression, positioned so the frame of your viewfinder is
place the camera on a tripod and position the filled with the impression and scale
camera so the camera's film plane is parallel
with the impression. This will minimize Dusty footwear impressions are sometimes
distortion in the photograph. found at crime scenes. They can sometimes be
detected by shining a strong light source at low
An angle finder can be used to measure the oblique angles across surfaces such as floors,
angle of the impression and then, by placing the doors (e.g., suspect kicked open a door) and
angle finder on the camera's eyepiece, the victims' bodies (e.g., victim was stomped to
angle of the camera can be adjusted to match death). This type of footwear impression is best
the angle of the impression. photographed with light from a low oblique
angle.
The film plane will then be parallel to the
impression.

Next, place a scale alongside the impression.

When photographing a footwear impression

use an "L" shaped scale. When photographing a
tire impression use a long straight scale
alongside the impression.

Place the scale approximately one inch away

Tire Impressions
from the impression and on the same plane as
the impression. The technique for photographing a tire
impression is similar to photographing footwear
If necessary, press the scale into the ground
impressions. However, you must photograph
until it is the same depth as the impression.
tire impressions in enough sections to show one
Orientation of the impression is also important. circumference of the tire.
The direction a footwear impression faces could
Place a long scale or tape measure alongside
be important to the investigation.
the tire impression. The numbers on the scale
For example, in a residential burglary it would must be large enough to be clearly seen in the
be important to show that the footwear photograph.
impressions in a flowerbed face the window
Take three or four overlapping photographs to
that was used by the suspect to enter the
show enough tire impression for one full
residence.
circumference of the tire.
Do not move the scale while taking the If the item will be collected its location should
photographs. Later, the series of overlapping be documented with photographs. Later, close-
photo-graphs can be pieced together by up photographs and casting of the tool marks
matching the scale in the photographs. can be done in the laboratory

When photographing tire impressions At minor crime scenes tool marks should be
remember to use the same techniques of photographed even if it is decided not to cast
lighting and camera and scale placement as the tool marks.
discussed earlier for footwear impressions.
In some cases, an item bearing a tool mark can
Tool Marks be collected as evidence (e.g, a doorknob
bearing marks from pliers is removed from the
Tool marks are often found at crime scenes. door and placed into evidence).
They can be marks left from pry tools, such as
crowbars and screwdrivers, marks on a If the item will be collected its location should
doorknob left from adjustable pliers used to be documented with photographs. Later, close-
gain entry in a burglary, or other tools used in up photographs and casting of the tool marks
the commission of a crime. can be done in the laboratory.

When a tool mark is collected it is possible that When taking a photograph of a tool mark begin
a positive identification can be made linking a with a photograph to show where the tool mark
tool to the crime. is located in the crime scene.

Tool mark evidence can be collected by casting It may be necessary to use both overview and
and by photography. mid-range photographs to clearly show the
location of the tool mark in the photographs.
Guidelines in taking Tool Marks
If there are multiple tool marks it may be
Photographs of tool marks are often used to necessary to include numbered evidence
make positive identifications, but casting of tool markers to differentiate one tool mark from
marks yields the best evidence. another.
This is because a tool mark is three-dimensional When taking a close-up photograph of a tool
and casting preserves three- dimensional mark be sure to place a scale on the same plane
evidence. as the tool mark.
Casting of tool marks is done with casting putty. Self-adhesive scales are convenient for
photographing tool marks, especially tool marks
At major crime scenes tool marks should be
on vertical surfaces; but a lightweight plastic
both casted and photographed.
scale can be taped (using fingerprint tape) to a
At minor crime scenes tool marks should be vertical surface when necessary.
photographed even if it is decided not to cast
Fingerprints
the tool marks.
Perhaps the most common form of evidence
In some cases, an item bearing a tool mark can
collected at crime scenes is fingerprints.
be collected as evidence (e.g, a doorknob
Fingerprints should be photographed before
bearing marks from pliers is removed from the
they are collected on major cases or if the latent
door and placed into evidence).
may be destroyed when lifting. Occasionally, a
latent print can be visible or developed on a
surface but cannot be lifted (e.g. a fingerprint in important since depth-of-field is shallow in
blood). In such a case photographing the latent close-up photographs.
is the only way to document the evidence.
Precise focusing can be made with a camera
Photography can also be used to bring mounted on a tripod. Photograph the latent
out detail in a latent. Through the use of with the camera's film plane parallel to the
lighting, filters, processing controls, and fingerprint surface.
enhancement (in a program such as Adobe®
Photoshop®) a faint latent fingerprint can be In order to get as much detail recorded on the
enhanced. This is mostly done by building film as possible, position the camera so the
contrast between the latent and its background. frame of your viewfinder is filled with the
fingerprint and scale.
Procedures in Photographing Fingerprints
Exposure some fingerprints can be
Establish the Location of the Fingerprint. If you photographed using ambient (existing) light.
are going to photograph a fingerprint, the Ambient light exposures of fingerprints with
location of the fingerprint must be established. normal contrast can be exposed using the
camera's exposure system if the fingerprint and
While you could use mid-range photographs to its background are of normal reflectance. If the
show where each fingerprint is located in the background is lighter or darker than normal,
scene, the use of numerous mid-range then the exposure should be determined by
photographs to show the locations of small metering off an 18 percent gray card.
items can become confusing.
For example, when photographing a black
A better technique is to forego the mid-range powdered fingerprint on a white background,
photographs and use the diagram and notations the camera will normally underexpose the
on the latent print card to identify the original photograph and detail in the photograph will be
location of each fingerprint. lost. This is because most of the image is white
and reflects lighter than a normal background.
This can be done by including a scale in the
close-up photograph of each fingerprint. In such a situation you should meter off an 18
percent gray card to determine the correct
On the scale write the evidence item number
exposure settings
that will be used on the latent prnt card. Be
sure the scale and the item number appear in Artificial light (from electronic flash, flood
the close-up photograph of the fingerprint. lamps, flashlight, etc.) can be effective in
photographing fingerprints.
Then the location of the fingerprint in a
photograph can be related to a latent print card Oblique lighting is used for most photographs of
on which the fingerprint's location was fingerprints. The most effective way to insure
diagramed and described. you are using the best angles of lighting is
"preview the photograph" by looking at lighting
Close-up Photograph
from several different angles.
While there are specialized cameras designed
To do this, position a strong light source, such
for fingerprints, a 35 mm or good quality digital
as a flashlight, at different angles to find the
camera with a macro lens or close-up accessory
light angles that reveal the best detail in the
can be used for fingerprint photography.
fingerprint
Using a tripod helps with the positioning of the
camera and also steadies the camera. This is
As you move the lighting you will see the results determine such things as where victims and
you will get by looking into your viewfinder. At suspects were positioned when bloody blows
this point you can photograph the fingerprint occurred and events during the assault (e.g.,
using the lighting from the flashlight or you can which victim bled first).
position your electronic flash at the best angles
for the photographs. The crime scene photographer is responsible
for photographically documenting a bloodstain
Whether using available light, electronic flash, scene in such detail that a bloodstain expert can
or other illumination sources, bracketing of later do an analysis of the bloodstain evidence.
exposures should be considered. Bracketing These photographs will include areas of
may reveal more detail in "low contrast" or faint bloodstain that indicate a pattern. An example
fingerprints. of a pattern area is shown in the photograph
below.
Underexposing the film will separate the steps
on the white end of the gray Scale. Guidelines in taking Bloodstain Photography

Overexposure will separate the steps on the When photographing bloodstains, you must
black end of the gray scale. The latitude for first show the location of the bloodstain with
black-and-white film is generally two f-stops mid- range photographs followed with closer
underexposure and six f-stops overexposure. views to show the bloodstain patterns.

Subjects Dusted fingerprints with good visible When taking close-up photographs of
detail can usually be photographed without bloodstains be sure to place a Scale on the
special lighting techniques. Fingerprint same plane as the bloodstain.
impressions in soft substances (e.g wax, putty,
clay, adhesive tape, grease, or dust) require the Self-adhesive scales are convenient for
use of oblique lighting at a low angle. This will photographing small areas, especially vertical
create small shadows in the impression. surfaces, but a lightweight plastic scale can be
Preview the effect with a flashlight. Fingerprints taped (using fingerprint tape) to a vertical
on porous surfaces (textured wall coverings, surface when necessary.
wood, brick, etc.) may need almost a 90-degree
Position the camera with the camera's film
lighting angle to avoid the creation of shadows
plane parallel to the bloodstain evidence. In
in the surface's texture, which would interfere
order to get as much detail recorded on the film
with the recording of fingerprint detail. Preview
as possible, your camera should be positioned
the effect with a flashlight.
so the frame of your viewfinder is filled with the
Fingerprints on glass (windows, drinking glasses, bloodstain and scale.
etc.) can be photographed by placing a white
Using a tripod helps with the positioning of the
card behind the glass and using a low oblique
camera and steadies the camera.
angle of light. They can also be photographed
by using transmitted (back) lighting by Luminol Photography
positioning a diffused light source behind the
glass. To photograph the results of luminol inside a
building you would first turn off lights in the
Bloodstain Photography area and spray a fine mist of a luminol solution
over the area to be searched.
Bloodstain (also referred to as blood spatter) at
a crime scene can tell the story of what If luminescence is observed, note its location.
occurred during an assault or other type of
bloody crime scene. Bloodstain analysis can Next, turn on the room lights.
Set up a camera, equipped with a locking cable especially to show how a bullet passed through
release and an electronic flash, on a tripod. an object or wall. With these techniques you
Take a normal photograph of the area will need to set up the strings or rods and
photograph the area from several angles to
Without moving the camera, advance the film document the bullet paths.
and adjust the lens aperture to underexpose
the next photograph by two f-stops. This can be Another technique for photographing the
done with an automatic camera by adjusting suspected path of a bullet is to use a laser
the exposure control setting (to a setting of -2) beam. As with the other techniques, the bullet
or with a manual camera by closing down the paths illustrated with laser beams are
lens aperture (e.g., if the normal flash documented with photographs.
photograph requires a f/5.6, change the
aperture to f/11). Set the shutter speed to "B." To photograph a bullet path using a laser you
first position the laser to illustrate the
With the room darkened, open the shutter suspected bullet path. Then set up a camera,
(firing the electronic flash) and lock the cable equipped with a locking cable release and an
release to hold open the shutter. electronic flash, on a tripod. Adjust the lens
aperture to underexpose the photograph by
Open the lens aperture all the way while taking one or two f- stops.
care not to move the camera. Lightly spray
luminol on the area in the view of the camera. This can be done with an automatic camera by
adjusting the exposure control setting (to a
You will need to spray the area every twenty setting of -1 or -2) or with a manual camera by
seconds to maintain luminescence. closing down the lens aperture (e.g. if the
normal flash photograph requires a f/5.6,
Avoid Over spraying, which may cause patterns
change the aperture to f/8 or f/11). Set the
on smooth surfaces to run or may cause
shutter speed to "B." Turn on the laser. With
background luminescence and reduce needed
the room darkened, open the shutter (firing the
contrast.
electronic flash) and lock the cable release to
Close the shutter after about one minute. hold open the shutter. Open the lens aperture
all the way while taking care not to move the
camera.

Cause the laser beam path to show in the

photograph by either spraying photographic fog
in the path of the laser beam, or by slowly
moving a white card along the laser beam path
with the card positioned so the laser dot on the
card reflects toward the camera. When you
finish tracing the laser beam path return to the
camera and close the shutter.
Bullet Path Photography

The suspected path of a bullet can be illustrated

with a variety of techniques. Colored strings can
be strung to illustrate bullet paths. Reflective
string can also be used-the string will glow
when a flash photograph is taken. Fiberglass
rods or wooden dowels can also be used,
WEEK 15 • Accurate Representations
• Free of Distortion
EVIDENCE PHOTOGRAPHY • Material and Relevant
1.A permanent record is made of the original • Unbiased
appearance of the object.
[Link] Representation – Whatever the
[Link] photographs can be used in place of original appearance of the object being
physical evidence to supplement the case photographs in terms of shape, color etc. it
report. must be the same in the photograph. However,
sometimes the black and white photographs
[Link] article is preserved is preserved from
unnecessary handling which might cause the come in questions due to the colors appeared
evidence to deteriorate or otherwise become which is not the same as what with the actual
altered. object. This is supported by the sketch and they
must be uniformed in terms of details. The
ITEMS OF PHYSICAL EVIDENCE TO BE
results here, must not be a product of reverse
PHOTOGRAPHED
photographs during printmaking process. And
All materials which serve to establish the fact also, photographs must be free from alteration.
that the crime has been committed or the
Corpus delicti. 2. Free of Distortion – Photographic evidence to
be presented in court must not be a product of
Physical evidence which would connect the lens having o aberration especially barrel and
suspect to the crime any marks such as pincushion distortion. Thus, it must be clear and
fingerprint, shoe or foot print, splashes of sharp in all details of the object that might
blood, hair strands, etc. appear there in order to make more
informative.
Evidence relating to the manner in which the
crime was committed or the modus operandi of 3. Material and Relevant – In every object that
the criminal appear in the photographs it must be related to
the crime just like the cadaver of the victim and
Objects which might provide Clue to the
evidences which includes the general view,
identity of the perpetrator.
medium view, close-up view and extreme close-
Clues which would connect the suspect to the up view.
crime.
4. Unbiased – All the photographs taken from
Note: Shoe print or tire impression should be the crime scene must be presented in the court
photographed before the addition of a scale or of justice not to keep the others for misleading
label. reason of the case or to protect one of the
parties. Take note being a forensic
BASIC REQUIREMENT OF A PHOTOGRAPH photographer is considered a man of science so
ADMITTED AS EVIDENCE IN COURT whatever the truth is it must be presented in a
court of law without hesitation.
No matter how extensive the photographic
efforts are at the crime scene, photographs THE BEST EVIDENCE RULE AND PHOTOGRAPHS
must stand the test of legal admissibility. The
general standards used to review the credibility Photograph is not a legal substitute for the
of the photographs are: object or article itself as evidence, nevertheless,
all physical evidence should be photographed. A
photograph of a revolver will not be accepted as preservation of and accountability for the
evidence in court. The weapon itself must be original image on a camera chip, prior to
brought to court this is an essence of the "best processing via computer software and a printer,
evidence rule". with subsequent evidence of how the image
was processed prior to admission into evidence.
The courts recognize that certain evidence
cannot be brought to court. Buildings or roads As judges and attorneys become aware of the
are examples. Other evidences change quickly. potential abuses of digital photography and
Skid marks on the highway will be quickly familiar with the associated technology, any
destroyed by vehicles using and passing on it. abuses will be detected and any images without
Wounds and bruises as evidence of injury will sufficient authentication will be excluded, while
heal and disappear before the case comes to authentic images will be entered into evidence.
trial. Such nature or kind of evidence can be
preserved by photography and introduced in As stated in Rules on Electronic Evidence Rule
court as evidence. 11 - Audio, Photographic, Video and Ephemeral
Evidence. Section 1 Audio, photographic and
ADMISSIBILITY OF DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY AS video evidence of events, acts or transactions
EVIDENCE IN COURT shall be admissible provided is shall be
identified, explained or authenticated by the
Digital photography is being increasingly person who made the recording or by some
recognized and used in law enforcement as an other person competent to testify on the
efficient tool that enables instant viewing and accuracy thereof.
distribution of images that aid in criminal
investigations. The major concern about digital PHOTOGRAPHS AS EVIDENCE
photography is its admissibility as evidence in
court, since it can be manipulated with A PHOTOGRAPH may serve as:
computer software.
• Documentary evidence (for physical
Traditional film-based photography, however, evidence and other evidence that
can also be manipulated, either in the course cannot be presented in the court room)
taking the original photograph or in developing
• A SILENT witness
the film. Under current rules of evidence, any
partly seeking to introduce a film-based • The deciding factor in a conviction or
photograph must demonstrate its relevancy. acquittal of the suspect when no other
Also, in order to prove the content of a picture, form of real evidence is available
courts generally require the original, defined as
the negative or any print there from. • Secondary or supporting evidence to
earlier evidence already presented
Many people fear that digital photographs can
become altered more easily than film-based A REAL EVIDENCE and not as DOCUMENTARY
images and that supposed original images evidence
recorded on a camera's light-sensitive chip can
be manipulated. “When a document is presented to prove its
existence or condition (not its contents), It is
To alleviate fears that digital photographs can offered not as Documentary, but as REAL
elude confirmation of authenticity under EVIDENCE”
current rules of evidence, law enforcement
agencies should attempt to establish standard “A document may be considered real or object
operating procedures that include, at least, the evidence depending upon the PURPOSE for
which it is offered. If the object of an
examination is the age, the signatures thereon, SOP’S IN CRIME SCENE PHOTOGRAPHY
the physical features or conditions of document
itself, the document is considered real or object [Link] photographs of crime scene early in
evidence which the court may view for such the investigation preferably before anything has
purpose; but if the document is presented to been moved.
prove its CONTENT, it is documentary
[Link] from several angles so the proper
evidence.”
dimensions may be shown.
“Physical Evidence is the evidence of the
[Link] dimensions are important, use some
HIGHEST ORDER; it speaks more eloquently
sort of scale (ruler) in the photograph so that
than a HUNDRED WITNESSES.”
enlargement or reduction may be measured.
“Where testimonies CONFLICT, the physical
[Link] in your note data concerning the
evidence is important in the determination of
photographs including directions and distances
the truth”
from the principal objects in the crime scene.
WEEK 16 Sketches maybe helpful also.

OBJECTIVES OF CRIME SCENE PHOTOGRAPHY [Link] special equipment call on the laboratory

Crime Scene – A place where the crime was Guidelines in Taking Photographs of a Crime
perpetrated and physical evidence found Scene
thereat.
[Link] shot - this is an over-all view from
[Link] produce a pictorial record of everything extreme to the other. It shows where we are - a
regarding the crime. busy intersection, a farm, a residential area, an
airport, a factory, or even at the middle of a
[Link] help in keeping the police officer’s memory jungle.
accurately as possible as to where he finds
things. [Link] building- the next photograph should
show the building in which the crime was
[Link] help in securing or obtaining confession, committed. This shows whether it is a private
description and information to the case. home, a factory, a small shop, a hotel, or a
garage, usually two photographs will be needed
IMPORTANCE OF CRIME SCENE PHOTOGRAPHY of the front and back of the building.

[Link] identification of persons, documents, [Link] entrance -this is usually the door, but it
fingerprints, shoe prints and splashes of blood. may be a window in a house breaking robbery.
If there is a gate and a door, take photograph
[Link] of evidence in court one for each entrance.
[Link] better than words [Link] hallway- the camera now shows us what
[Link] statement we would observe immediately after we
enter the building. It should show the location
[Link] things you may fail to notice of the other doors or rooms through which we
NOTE: Upon arrival at the crime scene, must pass to get to the room in which the
photograph the whole area before anything is crime was committed.
moved. Take shots from different angles to
show the whole area. 5. The room - this maybe a bedroom, an office
or a bathroom. The most difficult problem is to
include the entire area sometimes like in the 6. He should strictly observe the procedures
building shots, two photographs from opposite applicable in every Crime scene to
corners will be enough. A wide lens is used. include measurement and case identification
However, the investigator's note should also be Policy During SOCO/FLW
carefully marked with the information.
1.A Crime scene photographer should be well-
6. Close-up- the number and types of close-up equipped with all the necessary equipment and
photograph will of course depend upon materials such as camera with wide angle and
the kind of crime. In general, close ups should normal lens, tripod, flash unit, measuring tools,
be made on: data board, pencil and some roll of film.

a. Object attacked- this maybe a person, safe [Link] the entire scene or the general
cash box or a display counter. The purpose of view to include nearby surroundings, the
these pictures is to show the amount and kind address of the crime scene indicating the case
of damage the method of attack. number, time, date and initial of the
photographer.
b. The weapon or tools used - the
photographer must be careful here to show a [Link] an overlapping shot or the immediate
reference point in every picture. It shows which scene from four different angles.
are right, left, up, down, north, south, etc.
4. Photograph the body (victim) showing the
c. Significant clues - these maybe fingerprint, exact location, direction where it tends. In
blood stain, footprints, skid marks tool marks, homicide cases photograph the victim in four
broken glass, or any other physical evidence, different side top vies, close-up of the face,
fingerprint in particular should be wound/s sustained (with or without scale)
photographed after dusting but before lifting. and any identifying marks (if unidentified) and
after the body has been removed showing the
Duties and Responsibilities of a Crime Scene white outline to indicate place where the
Photographer victim was found.
[Link] responding to SOCO/FLW requests, he 5. Photograph the entrance and exit of the
should be well-equipped with all the necessary crime scene.
equipment and materials such as camera with
wide angle and normal lens, tripod, flash unit, 6. Photograph (close-up) all pieces of evidence
floodlight, measuring tools, data board, pencil round at the crime scene with a measuring tool
and rolls of film. placed side by side. Evidence should be properly
labeled with the case number, time and date,
[Link] and ensure the serviceability of his
and initial of the photographer.
equipment.
[Link] location of bullet hole/s.
[Link] in looking after his security as
well as his equipment. 8. Crime scene should be sketched, measured
and reflected on the photographic log
4. Record the detail of SOCO/FLW responded
indicating position of the camera, weather
including the type of camera and film used.
condition, type of lens, film, camera, aperture
5. After the operation, he should immediately and shutter speed used.
process the exposed film and print the
negative for filing and presentation in court.
Suicide Case Determine his possible point of exit. Usually the
burglar may leave something at the Crime scene
We should not conclude in responding such especially when he is surprised by someone
cases. It need thorough examination and such as hat, gloves and scarf or cigarette butts.
investigation Suicide note should not be
photographed. Homicide Case

Suicide by Hanging When photographing the scene of a homicide

case, the forensic photographer relates what he
Strangulation by hanging is the most common has to show the manner by which the homicide
form of suicide. But the investigator must not occurred, views of the rooms with all possible
assume that the victim found hanging is suicide. entrance and exit.
Photograph the subject at a distant from four
views showing the full body, and the move in He must show whether there is any evidence of
closer and show the knot and bruise marks. If it struggle and try to show what happened inside
is suicide by shooting, take note of the color of prior to the crime. Obvious evidence such as
the body (discoloration) cigarette butts, blood stains or broken glass
should not be overlooked.
Note: Do not untie the knot, just cut it.
The circumstances of death can be illustrated by
Suicide by shooting various views of the body. Take close-up shots
of the wounds, bruises, weapon used and the
Photograph both entrance and exit wounds.
place where it was taken.
Place identification alongside each wound as
well as ruler for measuring the entrance wound. Photographing the Corpse
Exit wound is always larger than the diameter of
the bullet. Usually, the hairs surrounding the In photographing the corpse on the scene,
entrance would be singeing and the skin be several pictures of the conditions at the times
burned to reddish or a graying-brown color. very including the environment of the corpse
Also, if that shot is fired from range or less than must be taken from various photographic
eight inches, a smeary black residue may be directions.
evident. If possible, photograph close-ups or the
wound in color to show these various Shows when photographing the general
discolorations. condition of the corpse as if being deformed as
a whole.
Robbery case
When photographing the damaged parts of a
Photograph the general view of the crime corpse, consider the range of photographing
scene. the damaged part clearly. Take some close-up
shots from several directions, if possible, to
The point of entry begins with a distant shot clarify their relation.
and work yourself through it Take close-up
shots on the possible entry and exit to include Sex Offense Examination
the pathways. Each room in the house or
building which was disturbed should be The crime of rape may be taken as a typical type
photographed. of offense. There must be a written permission
from the victim and the photograph must be
Take some shots of all the furniture or articles taken in the presence of their parents or
which show as evidence of being ransacked. guardians or medico legal officer. The indication
of the victim's effort to resist as bruises or black
and blue marks and evidence of the presence of Forensic Photography Scales - This provide a
either or both parties at the scene must be geometrical reference in the photographic
photographed. documentation of evidence. The presence of
such scales in an image allows investigators to
Photographing the victim reconstruct the dimensional context of a scene
and provides a means to reproduce one-to-one
Evidence of resistance of the criminal act is or
photographs of physical evidence. In some
particular importance in sex offenses. Verify the
cases, information extracted from the
hair, neck including marks and discoloration of
reconstruction of a scene provides evidence in
the body in the genital, the conditions of
court.
specifically affected parts, and presence of
foreign hair, fibers and biological stains. Bite 4. Take photographs from eye level, when
mark wounds should be photographed at feasible, to present scene
twelve to twenty-four hours intervals for the
proceeding several days. as would be observed by normal view.

The Suspect 5. Apply overlapping photographs.

The suspect's body may show evidence of 6. Record every photograph taken
physical struggle such as scratches or bruises
and foreign hairs that may be discovered by the SEQUENTIAL PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE CRIME
physician. The garments of the suspects may SCENE
reveal bloodstains, semen, hair strands, etc.
Each crime has an individual features that
PROCEDURE IN PHOTOGRAPHING THE CRIME should be photographed. Keep in mind the
SCENE nature of the offense and try to show those
features that establish the elements of the
1. Start taking photographs of the crime scene offense.
as soon as possible with case identifier.
Photographs should be taken of:
Case Identifier- Is a printed paper attached in
plate bearing of provincial/ city/ or satellite 1. Views of exterior of the building/vehicle, with
office code, case number, photographer's initial relations to other buildings/vehicles, roads,
and date of the crime scene processing. This is streets etc.
designed in order to establish additional facts
2. Points of entry, outside and inside.
reference of the crime scene that must
appeared on the photographs. 3. Point of exit, inside and outside.
2. Observe the progression of general, medium 4. Condition(s) of the crime scene.
and close views of the scene.
5. Area from which valuable articles were
3. Take the photographs of the evidence in situ removed.
first without case identifier, evidence numbers,
and scale, if necessary, prior to Collection. 6. Articles left at the scene.

Photo Evidence Numbers - Are used in crime 7. Tool marks and impressions of shoes or tire
scene photographs to indicate where each piece tracks.
of evidence is found. Usually, two photographs
are taken of each scene: one with photo 8. Fingerprints and footprints, as well as articles
evidence numbers and one without. on which these prints may be found.
THREE TYPES OF RANGE PHOTOGRAPHS relative size of, and distances between object or
the degree of magnification of the enlargement.
[Link] VIEW OR LONG-RANGE - General The markers should be placed beside the object
view or long-range photographs of the overall in a manner that will not obscure any important
scene fundamentally are taken to portray the piece of the evidence.
areas as if a person viewing the scene is seeing
it from the standing position. In document and small-object
photographs, a six inch ruler placed at the
To obtain this result, the photographer takes bottom or just below the item of evidence will
the photograph with the camera at eye level. enable the photographer to determine the
The purpose of general view is to focus and degree of enlargement quickly and also show
establish the location of the crime scene to the relative size of objects in the photographic
fixed point of referenced serving as its exhibit. Many times, courts objects to the use of
permanent citation. rulers and marking devices that appear in
photographs of a crime scene. Therefore,
Fixed point of referenced means those
photographs should be taken in two ways: first
unmovable objects in the crime scene like tree,
without the markers and then with them.
building, electric post etc.
PHOTOGRAPHIC LOG
2. MEDIUM VIEW OR MID-RANGE - Medium
view or mid-range photographs are taken in a Documentation of the process of scene
manner which portrays the scene from photography which records the overall,
approximately ten (10) to twenty (20) feet of medium, and close-up views of the scene.
distance from the subject matter.
A log is produced representing the technical and
In order that the viewer, be permitted to descriptive information concerning the
associate the crime scene with separate areas photographic task.
of the scene photographed, these areas should
contain sufficient detail to permit the viewer MUGSHOT
this association. This is designed in order to
concentrate on the features of the offense, It is a photographic portrait typically taken after
which includes the full body shot of the victim a person is arrested. The original purpose of the
or the groups of evidences. mugshot was to allow law enforcement to have
a photographic record of an arrested individual
3. CLOSE-UP VIEW OR CLOSE-UP RANGE - to allow for identification by victims and
Close-up view or close- up range photographs investigators.
are normally taken approximately five (5) feet
or less from the subject matter. Photographing of criminals began in the 1840’s
only a few years after the invention of
The attention of close-up photography is photography, but it was not until 1888 that
directed to objects which could not French police officer ALPHONSE BERTILLON
effectively be seen in the general view or standardize of the process
medium view photographs. This angle center on
the result of the crime thru taking the half body The camera should be attached to a tripod
shot of the victim having of wound or damage. facing the plain white background with two
flood lamps, one on each side at approximately
MARKINGS IN THE FIELD OF VIEW 4 angles to light the subject. The other two
lamps are similarly set at each side of the back
Measuring devices such as rulers, yardsticks, of the subject to eliminate or remove the
and tape measures should be used to show the shadow. The subject is placed at the
background barefooted, without eyeglasses and [Link] to be examined except only as to matters
holding at breast level the title board with pertinent to the issue;
corresponding name and other data. The front
whole body, half body shot, front right and left The following are the rights and obligations or
side view, right and left side quarter from head Witness under Section 3 of Rule 132 of Revised
to elbow. Rules on Evidence:

ROGUES GALLERY 4. Not to give an answer which will tend to

A rogue’s gallery is a police collection of subject him to a penalty for an offense unless
pictures or photographs of criminals and otherwise provided by law; or
suspects kept for identification purposes. The
term is also used figuratively for any group of 5. Not to give an answer which will tend to
shady characters or the line-up of “mugshot” degrade his reputation, unless it is to be the
photographs that might be displayed the halls very fact at issue or to a fact from which the
of a dormitory or workplace or on an online fact issue would be presumed. But a witness
mugshot publishing website. must answer to the fact of his previous final
EXPERT WITNESS conviction for an offense.

A person who is a specialist in a subject, often GUIDE OF EXPERT WITNESS IN COURT

technical, who may present his/her expert
The following are the guide to proper demeanor
opinion without having been a witness to any
in the court the expert witness on the stand:
occurrence relating to the lawsuit or criminal
case. It is an exception to the rule against giving [Link] to the witness stand with even steps.
an opinion in trial, provided that the expert is
qualified by evidence of his/her expertise, [Link] taking the oath, hold your arm up high
training and special knowledge. with fingers straight and look at the officer
administering the oath.
If the expertise is challenged, the attorney for
the party calling the "expert" must make a [Link] the officer finishes the oath, "So help
showing of the necessary background through me God, you say "do" in a loud voice so that all
questions in court, and the trial judge has in the courtroom can hear. Do not wear flashily
discretion to qualify the witness or rule he/ she clothes
is not expert, or is an expert on limited subjects.
4. When you take the witness stand, do so with
RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF WITNESSES confidence and not dignity. Think before you
speak.
The following are the rights and obligations or
Witness under Section 3 of Rule 132 of Revised 5. When you begin to speak loudly enough to be
Rules on Evidence: heard at the back of the courtroom.
[Link] be protected from irrelevant, improper, or 6. Speak slowly and clearly. Use simple terms
insulting questions, and from harsh or insulting
and phrases. Do not use high sounding or
demeanor;
technical words and expressions that the
[Link] to be detained longer than the interests Judge and the court personnel cannot
of justice require; understand.
7. Listen closely to the questions you are asked. 17. Never permit the opposition counsel to
Don’t be in a hurry. Take your time; be careful make you angry. This is a trick and when
and sure of what you say. angered you become confused and may say the
wrong thing.
8. Be fair and frank. Do not be too anxious to
18. When the opposition counsel tries to get
please or too eager to fight.
you to answer a question by a mere "Yes" or
9. Do not speak as though you have a personal "No and you think this might affect your
grudge against the defendant and would try to testimony before you have a chance to
convict him. complete your answer, turn to the Judge and
say, your honor, “May I please explain my
10. Keep your temper. Don’t let anyone irritate answer?”
you into arguments over trivial points or
even important ones. Be firm, but flexible 19. Do not use the words- “I think" or "I guess”.
You are in Court to state facts. When one of the
11. If a question is asked and you are not sure of lawyers’ calls "Objection" or if the Court
the answer or you can’t remember, say loudly interrupts, stop your testimony immediately
and clearly, "I do not know”. and wait until the Court gives its ruling.

12. Be courteous to your own counsel; do the 20. Do not chew gum. It affects your demeanor.
same to the opposition counsel. Do not give
a long-Winded answer, but do answer the 21. Do not try to converse with anybody,
questions fully and simply. Sometimes a judge witnesses, or parties to the controversy during
may interpose a question. If he does, you have the recess. Converse only with the attorney
to face him when you make a reply. who retains you to testify.

13. Don't get caught by the opposition's 22. Do not memorize your testimony. On the
counsel's trick like this: Did you ever discuss other hand, keep your testimony flowing
this case with anyone? Do not be taken in by smoothly without breaks in your remarks.
this trick. Of course, you did, and if asked, you
23. Avoid nodding your head to indicate a "Yes"
can beat him at his game answering, “Yes sir, I
or "No
discussed the case with... name the
Attorney who called you”. 24. When addressing the Court, use "Your
honor" and when addressing the Attorneys, use
14. Do not volunteer too much information
their names.
when you answer a question. Be brier. Just
answer the question and stop. 25. Always tell the truth.
15. Never refer to the defendant as a "guilty 26. At the conclusion of your testimony, ask if
party" or the "criminal”. In our jurisprudence, you may be excused; then leave the court
the accused is innocent until he is proven immediately.
guilty and the only person who can say he is
guilty is the judge. ORDER IN THE EXAMINATION OF AN
INDIVIDUAL WITNESS
16. Avoid mannerism of speech. Do not be in
the habit of prefacing your replies with The following are the order in the examination
redundant phrases like "I can truthfully of an individual witness under section 4 of Rule
say...May cast doubts on your testimony. 132 of Revised Rules on Evidence:
[Link] EXAMINATION. The direct It is the opportunity for the attorney (or an
examination or examination- in-chief is one unrepresented party) to ask questions in court
stage in the process of adducing evidence from of a witness who has testified in a trial on behalf
witnesses in a court of law. Direct examination of the opposing party. The questions on cross-
is the questioning of a witness by the party who examination are limited to the subjects covered
called him or her, in a trial. Direct examination in the direct examination of the witness, but
is usually performed to elicit evidence in importantly, the attorney may ask leading
support of facts which will satisfy a required questions, in which he/she is allowed to suggest
element of a party's claim or defense. answers or put words in the witness' mouth.

The following are the order in the examination The following are the order in the examination
of an individual witness under section 4 of Rule of an individual witness under section 4 of Rule
132 of Revised Rules on Evidence: 132 of Revised Rules on Evidence:

In direct examination, one is generally 3. RE-DIRECT EXAMINATION. It is the trial

prohibited from asking leading questions. This process by which the party who offered the
prevents a lawyer from feeding answers to a witness has a chance to explain or otherwise
favorable witness. An exception to this rule qualify any damaging or accusing testimony
occurs if one side has called a witness, but it is brought out by the opponent during cross
either understood, or becomes clear, that the examination. Redirect examination may
witness is hostile to the questioner's side of the question only those areas brought out on cross
controversy. The lawyer may then ask the court examination and may not stray beyond that
to declare the person he or she has called to the boundary.
stand a hostile witness. If the court does so, the
lawyer may thereafter ask witness leading The following are the order in the examination
questions during direct examination. of an individual witness under section 4 of Rule
132 of Revised Rules on Evidence:
The following are the order in the examination
of an individual witness under section 4 of Rule The basic function of redirect examination is to
132 of Revised Rules on Evidence: enable the witness to explain and clarify any
relevant matters in his or her testimony which
2. CROSS EXAMINATION. The questioning of a have been weakened, confused or obscured by
witness or party during a trial, hearing, or cross-examination and to rebut the discrediting
deposition by the party opposing the one who effect of any damaging statements or
asked the person to testify in order to evaluate admissions or to correct any wrong impression
the truth of that person's testimony, to develop that may have been created.
the testimony further, or to accomplish any
other objective. The interrogation of a witness The following are the order in the examination
or party by the party opposed to the one who of an individual witness under section 4 of Rule
called the witness or party, upon a subject 132 of Revised Rules on Evidence:
raised during direct-examination the initial
4. RE-CROSS EXAMINATION. Refers to
questioning of a witness or party on the merits
resumption of cross- examination by the
of that testimony
original cross examiner in order to responds to
The following are the order in the examination matters that may have arisen during the re-
of an individual witness under section 4 of Rule examination of a Witness. However re-cross
132 of Revised Rules on Evidence: examination can only deal with those Subjects
addressed in redirect examination. There is no
right to re-cross examine a witness, provided
the scope of any redirect examination is limited
to matters raised on cross examination.

The following are the order in the examination

of an individual witness under section 4 of Rule
132 of Revised Rules on Evidence:

Whether to allow re-cross examination is left to

the trial courts "broad discretion". Re-cross
examination should be limited to the scope of
redirect examination, or matters affecting the
credibility of the witness.