Law – Law of Evidence

The aim of this module is to introduce the student to the fundamental concepts and laws of evidence in Ireland.

This programme is an ECTS 10 credit module of the BA (Honours) in Law Degree.

On completion of this programme, students should be able to:

Demonstrate an integrated knowledge of the basic concepts of the law of evidence;

Distinguish between the various burdens and standards of proof required in criminal and civil proceedings and explain the importance of such distinctions;

Discuss the competence and compellability of different categories of witness and the rules that govern the examination of witnesses (including an accused in a criminal case) in court;

Describe the rules on corroboration and the circumstances in which cautionary warnings must or may be given by a trial judge;

Assess and evaluate the impact of the various privileges and immunities upon the tendering of evidence and discuss the approach of the courts to such privileges and immunities;

Explain the various exclusionary rules of evidence and the extent to which these rules, as interpreted by the courts, impact upon the tendering of evidence;

Critically analyse the law and employ knowledge and understanding in solving relevant problems;

Research aspects of the law of evidence either independently or as part of a group and communicate findings and proposals in written and/ or verbal form.