Certified Fraud Examiner CFE-Law Book

This question tests your knowledge of Domain 10.

In the context of Basic Principles of Evidence, specifically relating to circumstantial evidence, the question asks about the core concepts in this area.

The correct answer is D: Relevant evidence.

This question tests knowledge of evidence principles. The correct answer correctly distinguishes between types of evidence, admissibility requirements, or evidentiary privileges. Proper handling of evidence is crucial for successful fraud investigations and prosecutions.

This question tests your knowledge of Domain 9.

In the context of Civil Actions, specifically relating to trial, the question asks about CFE.

The correct answer is C: Establish a clear chain of custody to show that the evidence has not been altered..

This question focuses on civil action processes. The correct answer accurately describes civil litigation procedures, evidence preservation, or remedies available to fraud victims. Civil recovery is often an important component of fraud resolution.

According to the ACFE Fraud Examiners Manual, Law Section, particularly in discussions related to public corruption and remedies in criminal and administrative proceedings , debarment is an administrative sanction that prohibits an individual or entity from participating in government contracts or programs for a specified period of time. Debarment is commonly imposed after convictions involving fraud, bribery, collusion, or other misconduct affecting the integrity of the procurement process.

In this case, Freya was convicted of colluding to manipulate the competitive bidding process. As a result, she was placed on a list prohibiting her from bidding on government contracts for five years. This exclusion from government contracting is the defining characteristic of debarment. The purpose of debarment is not merely punitive but also protective—it safeguards public funds and ensures that only responsible and ethical contractors conduct business with the government.

License revocation or suspension would involve withdrawing or temporarily removing a professional or business license. Disenfranchisement refers to the loss of voting rights. Neither accurately describes exclusion from government contracting opportunities.

Therefore, the administrative penalty imposed on Freya is best described as debarment.

According to the ACFE Fraud Examiners Manual, Law Section, specifically under Basic Principles of Evidence and Admissibility of Evidence , relevant evidence is defined as evidence having any tendency to make a fact that is of consequence to the determination of the action more or less probable than it would be without the evidence. This definition focuses on the logical relationship between the evidence and a disputed issue in the case.

Relevance is a foundational requirement for admissibility. If evidence does not bear on a material fact in dispute, it is generally inadmissible because it does not assist the trier of fact in resolving the matter. The threshold for relevance is relatively low; the evidence need only slightly increase or decrease the probability of a consequential fact.

Circumstantial evidence refers to indirect evidence that requires inference to connect it to a conclusion of fact, while testimonial evidence consists of statements made by a witness under oath. Demonstrative evidence includes physical objects, models, or visual aids used to illustrate testimony. Although these are types or forms of evidence, they are not definitions of the concept described in the question.

Therefore, the correct term for evidence that makes a disputed fact more or less likely is relevant evidence.