MCOLES State Licensing Practice Exam

True or False: Both a Rough Sketch and Final Sketch are admissible in court.

1. True

2. False

3. Only Rough Sketch

4. Only Final Sketch

The correct answer is: True

Both a rough sketch and a final sketch can be admissible in court because they serve different purposes and provide valuable information regarding a crime scene. A rough sketch is typically created first, reflecting the initial impressions of the scene and containing important detail such as the location of evidence, important landmarks, and measurements. It captures the scene as it is first observed, which can be useful for demonstrating the circumstances at the time of investigation. The final sketch, on the other hand, is a polished, more precise representation of the scene, often created after the rough sketch to ensure accuracy and clarity. It may be generated using tools and technology to enhance its detail. The final sketch is usually more presentable and can help convey the findings to the court in a clear manner. Both sketches, given their unique characteristics and functions, have potential value as evidence. The rough sketch might provide insight into the investigator's thought process at the crime scene, while the final sketch is often more comprehensive and visually clear. Therefore, both can be utilized to support testimony and clarify the details of the investigation in legal proceedings.