Circumstantial evidence in wilful homicide : an analysis of three major cases in Malta

Abstract

Throughout this dissertation, an investigation will be carried out of three prominent cases in Malta, where a particular emphasis will be made on the circumstantial evidence provided in these cases. This study seeks to better understand how circumstantial evidence is gathered, analysed, and later presented in courts yet leads to successful punishments. The approach selected to obtain such information is by applying qualitative research and conducting semi-structured interviews with inspectors, both presently serving and those who used to serve. Once the data was acquired and finally reviewed by thematic analysis, the results demonstrated how each inspector perceived the problem separately and, based on their unique opinion, they responded to the question that was supplied to them. The essential component that emerged from the interview with each inspector was that every accumulated evidence unrelated to the case or the amount must be verified and supported using other sources. Having circumstantial evidence might truly make prosecution difficult in courts, but if a sequence of evidence is provided, even if the evidence itself is circumstantial but ultimately point to one conclusion, it will prove to be a compelling case to prosecute. When presented before the Court, all the evidence provided would be oriented to one final consequence; therefore, when the jury comes to deliberate, it would be relatively straightforward for them to proceed against the offender.