UNIT 22

► Ex. I. Scan through the text Restore the word order in the questions that follow and answer them.

Gathering evidence. The identification of the suspect is not the final stage of the process: it is essential that the investigating agency gather sufficient legally admissible evidence to convince the judge or jury that the suspect is guilty. In order to secure the necessary evidence, the police employ a variety of powers and procedures; because these potentially involve interference with the freedom of the suspect, who must at this stage be treated as an innocent person, they are normally subject to close control either by legislation or by the courts. One important procedure is a search of the suspect or of premises or vehicles. Most jurisdictions allow a search to be carried out only if there is "reasonable ground for suspecting" that the evidence will be found. In some cases a person may be stopped on the street and searched. In this instance, the police officer is to identify himself and state the reasons for the search. A search of private premises usually requires a search warrant issued by a magistrate or judge. The law generally permits a search warrant to be issued only if the issuing authority is satisfied after hearing evidence on oath that there is good reason to suspect that the evidence will be found on the premises. The warrant may be subject to time limits and normally permits only one search to be carried out. In most countries the judge or magistrate who issues the warrant must be told of the outcome of the search. Material seized as a result of a search under the authority of a search warrant is usually detained by the police for production as exhibits at any subsequent trial. Evidence discovered as a result of any search that does not comply with the procedures laid down by the law is not admitted in the trial, even though it clearly establishes the guilt of the accused person, and even though the suppression of the evidence may prevent the conviction of a person who is plainly guilty. This rule, known as the exclusionary rule, is a matter of dispute in many English-speaking countries.