LW3EVI-Law of Evidence

Module Provider: School of Law
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Prof Anne Vergis
Email: a.vergis@reading.edu.my

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module is aimed towards providing students a thorough understanding of the relevant principles of admissibility of evidence.  Students will also gain a clear understanding of the realities of practice in light of the emergence of the various rules of evidence.                                                                                                     

This module is only available to students in the Malaysian campus.

Aims:

This module aims to provide students with an introduction to the law of evidence.  It then examines the rules in relation to burden and standard of proof, relevant facts and general rules of admissibility of evidence. The rules of admissibility of evidence are then thoroughly examined in the topics of similar fact evidence, the rules against hearsay, admissions and confessions.  Opinion evidence and documentary evidence are examined at the end of the topic. 

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module it is expected that students will be able to demonstrate:

• In-depth knowledge and understanding of the legal concepts, values, principles, rules and doctrines of the Law of Evidence and be able to explain the relationship of the Law of Evidence with other areas of law;                                                  


• Appreciation of judicial pronouncements and statutory provisions as the sources of the Law of Evidence and its practice;


• Understanding of the functions of the institutions from which the law is administered;


• Understanding of how the Law of Evidence has evolved based on the economic, social, cultural, commercial and politicalframework in the jurisdiction in which it is administered, and its application of the Law of Evidence in society.

Additional outcomes:

Students will develop their oral communication skills through participation in tutorial discussions. Development of ICT skills will be encouraged through utilisation of electronic resources including databases and the Internet. Independent learning will be encouraged through the use of a self-study topic.

Outline content:

1. Introduction to the Law of Evidence


2. Burden and Standard of Proof, Relevant Facts and General Rules of Admissibility of Evidence     


3. Hearsay                                                 


4. Admissions and Confessions


5. Opinion Evidence


6. Similar Fact  Evidence


7. Judicial Notice


8. Documentary Evidence                                                                                


9. Character Evidence


10. Presumptions                                                                                  


11. Witnesses – Competence and Compellability, The examination of witnesses                                


12. Privileges and Immunities                                                                           


13. Corroboration                                                                                 


14. Previous Judgments as evidence                                                                       


15. Identification Evidence                                                                                


16. Improper admission or rejection of evidence                                                                              


17. Provisions in other statutes              

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

This module will be taught by lectures and tutorials predominantly in the Autumn and Spring terms.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	20	20
Seminars	10	10
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)	10	10
Wider reading (directed)	20	20
Exam revision/preparation			20
Preparation for seminars	10	10
Completion of formative assessment tasks	10	10
Reflection	10	10
Total hours by term	90	90	20
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:

One three hour examination paper where students will be required to write 4 answers from a choice of questions.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Formative assessment methods:

Tutorials (Non Assessed) – Tutorial questions are given to students in advance and students are required to come prepared for a discussion (please refer to Tutorial Guide).  During these discussions, students’ knowledge and understanding of the law will be monitored, feedback given and required subject related skills will be taught and emphasised.

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

40%

Reassessment arrangements:

As for the original examination, but taken in August/September.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: 

2) Specialist equipment or materials: 

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: 

4) Printing and binding: 

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: 

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: 

Last updated: 30 March 2023