Consciousness of Guilt

Consciousness of Guilt is a concept used in criminal trials. It refers to an inference drawn from the statements or conduct of a person (defendant) after an offense has been committed that suggests the defendant knows he or she is guilty of the charged crime. Some of the most common types of consciousness of guilt are flight, false statements, false alibi, fabrication or concealment of evidence (including concealment of a body or weapon), and witness intimidation or bribery. Consciousness of Guilt generally refers to post-offense conduct out of court but can include lies in the course of trial.

Same of the things that do not constitute consciousness of guilt include:

• Mere denial of the crime
• Silence after being accused by the police officer of a crime.

The prosecutor in a criminal trial is permitted to show that conduct or statements made by the defendant after the alleged offense may have been influenced by the criminal act.