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  6. LS4517: CRIMINAL EVIDENCE (HONOURS)

LS4517: CRIMINAL EVIDENCE (HONOURS) (2015-2016)

Last modified: 25 Mar 2016 11:36


Course Overview

Criminal Evidence Honours takes an in-depth look at some of the more problematic  areas in the Scots law of criminal evidence, for instance, the admissibility of scientific evidence, corroboration, and hearsay. It adopt s a theoretical and comparative perspective to encourage a critical and reflective examination of these issues. We will be concerned with understanding the principles and policies underlying the law, teasing out the balances which have to be struck in implementing any particular rule. It will be demonstrated that different jurisdictions, both at the domestic and international level, use different solutions to reconcile conflicting principles and policy objectives.

Course Details

Study Type Undergraduate Level 4
Term Second Term Credit Points 25 credits (12.5 ECTS credits)
Campus None. Sustained Study No
Co-ordinators
  • Professor Peter Duff

Qualification Prerequisites

None.

What courses & programmes must have been taken before this course?

  • LS3025 Evidence (Passed)
  • Any Undergraduate Programme (Studied)
  • Either Programme Level 3 or Programme Level 4

What other courses must be taken with this course?

None.

What courses cannot be taken with this course?

None.

Are there a limited number of places available?

No

Course Description

Course Aims
  • To examine aspects of the law of evidence at an advanced level;
  • To promote critical consideration of concepts and theories of evidence by reference to common law, statute and contemporary academic materials;
  • To examine the effect of policy, public opinion and international convention upon development of rules of evidence;
  • To foster an analytical approach to the topic;
  • To promote written and oral communicative skills through class work and written work;
  • To promote teamwork through attempting to resolve difficult issues in seminars.
  • Main Learning Outcomes
  • That students’ prior knowledge and understanding of the law of evidence are enhanced and related to the wider social and political context;
  • That students develop a critical and analytical approach to concepts of evidence;
  • That by individual study, group work and class presentation students' skills of time management, communication and teamwork are promoted.
  • Content
  • The course looks beyond Scotland for comparative experiences and commentaries. The course will cover the following range of topics:
    • Proof and understanding probability;
    • Evidence from experts;
    • Evidence from vulnerable witnesses;
    • Hearsay;
    • Corroboration and similar fact evidence;
    • Right to silence, burdens of proof and human rights;

    Contact Teaching Time

    Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

    Teaching Breakdown

    More Information about Week Numbers


    Details, including assessments, may be subject to change until 30 August 2024 for 1st term courses and 20 December 2024 for 2nd term courses.

    Summative Assessments

    1st Attempt: Two hour exam (66%) and one 3,000 word essay (33%).

    Resit: None.

    Formative Assessment

    There are no assessments for this course.

    Feedback

    Feedback will be provided on the feedback form within three weeks from the date of submission.

    Course Learning Outcomes

    None.
     

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