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This is a core course in the Bachelor of Laws program. It is approved by the Legal Practitioners Admissions Board (Qld) and the Chief Justice of Queensland as meeting the evidence area of knowledge under the Supreme Court (Admission) Rules 2004 (Qld) and therefore deals with elements of Evidence, specifically: introduction; competence and compellability; privilege; the examination of witnesses; disposition and character; similar fact evidence; the accused as a witness; burden and standard of proof; documentary evidence; opinion evidence and prior determination; hearsay (the exclusionary rule; the common law and statutory exceptions); admissions and confessions in criminal cases; illegally obtained evidence and confirmation by subsequent fact; res gestae; and corroboration.

Evidence law concerns the rules and principles that govern what information can be used in court proceedings, who can use it and how it can be used. These rules pervade the operation of all areas of law in which an issue may come before a court for determination. Therefore, understanding the rules of evidence is critical for all lawyers practising in a field in which disputes of fact may arise. This is effectively any area of law. Criminal cases are the most heavily governed by laws of evidence, but these rules are also important for civil law, including contractual disputes, claims for damages for negligence and defamation. Although evidence law is largely procedural, its application can have a profound effect on the outcome of a case. In particular, rules governing admissibility determine the evidence juries are allowed to hear and judges are permitted to take into account when reaching a verdict or deciding a fact in issue. This course examines those rules, including the rationales for their existence. Like laws in general, evidence law is a balance of competing considerations. These rules attempt to reconcile the court's inquiry for the truth on disputed issues with considerations of expediency, reliability, fairness and other public policy considerations. Social and ethical questions arise throughout the course. Students will learn about the trial process as well as how witnesses are allowed to deliver testimony, rules of admissibility, including exclusionary rules and judicial discretions. The various forms of privilege from giving evidence will be considered, especially legal professional privilege, knowledge of which is essential for any students intending to practise in the legal profession. The course will focus on the rules of evidence applicable in Queensland under the common law and Evidence Act 1977 (Qld). The comparable federal regime covered by the Evidence Act 1995 (Cth) will also be considered. The information studied in this course is practical and aims to give students practical knowledge and skills to assist them in becoming competent practitioners.

On successful completion of this course students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding [explain and apply] of a coherent body of knowledge [relevant to evidence], and underlying principles and concepts; the broader contexts within which legal issues arise [in this area]; and the principles and values of justice and of ethical practice in lawyers’ roles (PO1/TLO1).
2. Demonstrate an ability to recognise and reflect upon, and a developing ability to respond to, ethical issues likely to arise in professional contexts [relevant to evidence] (PO2/TLO2).
3. Identify and articulate legal issues [relevant to evidence]; [comprehend legal and other materials]; apply legal reasoning and research to generate appropriate responses to legal issues; engage in critical analysis and make a reasoned choice amongst alternatives; and think creatively in approaching legal issues and generating appropriate responses (PO3/TLO3).
4. Demonstrate the intellectual and practical skills needed to identify, research in an ethical manner, evaluate and synthesise factual, legal and policy issues [relevant to evidence] (PO4/TLO4).
5. Communicate in ways that are effective, appropriate and persuasive for legal and non-legal audiences (PO5/TLO5).