ABSTRACT

Evidence in Context explains the key concepts of evidence law in England and Wales clearly and concisely, set against the backdrop of the broader political and theoretical contexts. The book helps to inform students of the major debates within the field, providing an explanation as to how and why the law has developed as it has.

This fourth edition has been revised and expanded to include developments in the law of hearsay evidence as well as recent litigation surrounding witness anonymity orders, bad character and vulnerable witnesses. It also addresses the on-going controversy and debate about the use of expert witnesses. A brand new chapter considers the contentious issue of public interest immunity, and the introductory chapter has been substantially expanded to consider the continuing interplay between the UK courts and the European Court of Human Rights as the role of human rights in evidence becomes increasingly important.

Features include:

  • Key learning points to summarise the major principles of evidence law
  • Practical examples to help students understand how the rules are applied in practice
  • Self-test questions to encourage students to reflect on what they have learned
  • A supporting companion website including answers to self-test questions

Well-written, clear and with a logical structure throughout, Evidence in Context contains all the information necessary for any undergraduate evidence law module.

chapter 1|18 pages

Introduction

chapter 2|25 pages

The Adversarial Trial

chapter 3|30 pages

The Burden and Standard of Proof

chapter 4|15 pages

Witnesses I Competency and Compellability

chapter 5|35 pages

Witnesses II Vulnerable Witnesses

chapter 8|39 pages

Confession Evidence

chapter 9|25 pages

Improperly Obtained Evidence

chapter 11|49 pages

Character Evidence

chapter 12|48 pages

Hearsay Evidence

chapter 13|25 pages

Opinion Evidence

chapter 14|41 pages

Public Interest Immunity