When you bake a cake, you need a list of ingredients and a recipe. Imagine the adversarial trial is a cake. If the substantive law provides the ingredients, then it is the law of evidence that provides the recipe and teaches you how to bake.
You will be asked to think like a lawyer. You will develop skills in inferential reasoning and apply them to various scenarios. You will be able to assess whether certain pieces of evidence have relevance, sufficient weight and probative value that outweighs prejudicial effect. You will be able to apply various exclusionary rules and discretions, whilst also critically examining these rules in their social and political contexts.
Armed with the knowledge and skills obtained in this module, you will be in a great position not only to undertake the first steps towards qualifying as a barrister or solicitor, but also have the skills to be able logically and coherently analyse, reason and argue in all sorts of other contexts. The law of evidence is a compulsory subject for both the SQE and BSB (Bar Standards Board) Central examinations.
32 Hours total (Large Groups workshops 16 hours, Small Group Workshops 16 hours) Independent Study 106,
Assessment Preparation 62
Option 1
Legal Memo (case analysis) & Drafting -Practical Competency -1,200 words - worth 30% of total marks for the module.
Examination (3 hours) - worth 70% of total marks for the module.
Option 2
Application(s) to the court- Practical Competency -15 minutes + 1,000 words - worth 30% of total marks for the module.
Examination (3 hours) - worth 70% of total marks for the module.
Reassessment Method:
Option 1: Like-for-like
Option 2: Like-for-Like
The University is committed to ensuring that core reading materials are in accessible electronic format in line with the Kent Inclusive Practices.
The most up to date reading list for each module can be found on the university's reading list pages.
On successfully completing the module, students will be able to:
1. Apply systematic knowledge and understanding of the core principles of the law of evidence.
2. Appraise and analyse complex legal problems by using forensic reasoning skills and by applying the law of evidence
3. Formulate legal and evidential arguments that display sound judgements about complex legal problems;
4. Critically evaluate the strengths, weaknesses, and strategic implications of evidential issues arising within complex legal matters.
University of Kent makes every effort to ensure that module information is accurate for the relevant academic session and to provide educational services as described. However, courses, services and other matters may be subject to change. Please read our full disclaimer.