LAWS 2008

As an introduction to the law of evidence, the course examines basic concepts of relevance, admissibility and weight, in criminal and civil cases. Topics covered include: burden and standard of proof, judicial notice, competence and compellability of witnesses, examination of witnesses, opinion evidence, character evidence, credibility, hearsay and hearsay exceptions, confessions, unconstitutionally-obtained evidence, and privilege. The policy considerations underlying particular rules, as well as the origins, development and constitutional significance of such rules are examined and critically assessed.