Module Leader: Dr Samantha Fairclough
Teaching and assessment (2017-18): Semester 1, 1 x 6,000 word essay
Module description:
This module explores the rules and principles that regulate the trial stage of the criminal process. The module is socio-legal in its approach, placing as much emphasis on the theoretical and political context of rules as the content of those rules. It also challenges students to consider a normative agenda.
Topics to be covered include the following;
- models of proof,
- adversarial techniques,
- principles of criminal evidence,
- burden and standard of proof,
- relevance,
- inferences and Bayesian reasoning
In addition, a number of specific evidential rules will be examined. This may include:
- vulnerable witnesses,
- character evidence,
- hearsay evidence,
- double jeopardy,
- confessions and improperly obtained evidence.