California, United States of America
The following excerpt is from People v. Williams, 245 Cal.Rptr. 635, 44 Cal.3d 1127, 751 P.2d 901 (Cal. 1988):
9 In general, evidence that a defendant fled the scene of a crime is admissible to demonstrate consciousness of guilt. "[The probative value of flight] as circumstantial evidence of guilt depends upon the degree of confidence with which four inferences can be drawn: (1) from the defendant's behavior to flight; (2) from flight to consciousness of guilt; (3) from consciousness of guilt to consciousness of guilt concerning the crime charged; and (4) from consciousness of guilt concerning the crime charged to actual guilt of the crime charged." (United States v. Myers (5th Cir.1977) 550 F.2d 1036, 1049; see also People v. James (1976) 56 Cal.App.3d 876, 890, 128 Cal.Rptr. 733.) By analogy escape from custody may be analyzed in the same manner.
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