Principles of evidence

This unit involves a critical examination of the principles and the rules of evidence and the use of evidence law as a method of ensuring fair trials. It draws upon theoretical perspectives including reliability, libertarian and disciplinary principles. Students will examine key concepts of the law of evidence in the context of exclusionary rules. Rules and principles governing the proof of facts in civil and criminal trials to be covered include competence and compellability, privilege, examination of witnesses, credibility and character, tendency and coincidence, hearsay and exceptions to the hearsay rule, the right to silence, admissions, illegally obtained evidence and opinion evidence.