Course overview
In this course, students will engage with Evidence law through a contemporary lens. They will learn fundamental principles regarding proof of elements of a crime, cause of action or defence, what evidence can be admitted and excluded, and how evidence is presented to the court. They will also critically assess these principles in the context of emerging technologies and changing societal norms in the modern legal landscape, and interpret the nature of a fair trial in the 21st century. Students will synthesise their communication, advocacy and problem-solving skills and apply them throughout the semester to a simulated trial situation that raises the real-world legal, evidential and ethical issues that will confront and challenge them as practitioners. This course meets the requirements of the Legal Practitioners Education and Admission Council Areas of Knowledge for Evidence while also equipping students with the critical thinking, problem solving and innovation skills essential for success in the legal profession of the future.
- Fundamental evidential principles
- Adducing evidence
- Evidential prohibitions
Course learning outcomes
- Identify and apply the rules of evidence and professional conduct rules to complex hypothetical scenarios
- Draft court and client documents applicable to a civil and/or criminal trial that comply with rules of evidence and professional conduct rules
- Formulate oral arguments for a legal audience that reflect rules of evidence and professional conduct rules
- Deliver persuasive oral arguments in a mock court room setting that reflect rules of evidence, professional conduct rules and courtroom etiquette