Registry
Module Specifications
Archived Version 2008 - 2009
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| Module Aims | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The aims of this module are: To acquaint students with the origins and purpose of the law of evidence; To teach students the basic elements of the rules of evidence; To teach students the common law rules and legislation regulating the law of evidence; and To teach students how to use the rules of evidence in determining what evidence is necessary in the prosecution or defence of a legal action and whether or not such evidence is admissible. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Learning Outcomes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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At the end of this module, students must: Appreciate the function of the law of evidence in legal proceedings; Know and understand the basic principles of the law of evidence; Know and understand the rules of evidence and be able to demonstrate a knowledge of relevant case law and legislation; and, Be able to solve problems with reference to case law and legislation. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| NOTE | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Assume that a 5 credit module load represents approximately 75 hours' work, which includes all teaching, in-course assignments, laboratory work or other specialised training and an estimated private learning time associated with the module. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Indicative Syllabus | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Basic Principles; Purpose of Evidence; Rationale of Proof; Relevance, admissibility and weight of evidence; Types of evidence; Burden and standard of proof; Legal and Evidential Burden; Shifting the Burden of Proof; Function of judge and jury. Competence and compellability of witnesses; spouses, children and persons of unsound mind; diplomats; accused. Corroboration; definition; accomplice; visual identification evidence; children''s evidence; corroboration in sexual offences. The Hearsay rule, confessions, doctrine of res gestae; dying declarations; declarations against proprietary interests. Development and scope of similar fact evidence. Opinion evidence and expert evidence. Private privilege; privilege against self-incrimination; legal professional privilege and statements made without prejudice. Fair procedure: arrest, charge and trial; illegally obtained evidence. Public privilege; interests of the State. Documentary evidence. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Indicative Reading List | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Fennell, The Law of Evidence in Ireland, 2nd edition, Dublin: Butterworths, 2003 Cannon and Neligan, Evidence, Dublin, Round Hall, 2002 Keane, The Modern Law of Evidence, 5th edition, London, Butterworths, 2000 Cross and Tapper, Cross on Evidence, 9th edition, London, Butterworths, 1999 Dennis, The Law of Evidence, London: Sweet and Maxwell, 1999 Howard, Crane, Hochberg, Baghaw, Mirfield and Hollander, Phipson on Evidence, 15th edition, London: Sweet and Maxwell, 2001 Uglow, Evidence: Text and Materials, London: Sweet and Maxwell, 1997 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Programme or List of Programmes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| EPL | BA in Economics, Politics and Law | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| EPLYA | BA in Economics, Politics and Law | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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