Law School Module Details

The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title CRIMINAL EVIDENCE
Code LAW033
Coordinator Dr J Mooney
Law
Jamie-Lee.Mooney@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2017-18 Level 6 FHEQ First Semester 15

Aims

  • ·    To cultivate a knowledge and understanding of the rationale and development of the law governing criminal evidence, specifically the operation and admissibility of evidence in criminal cases.


  • ·       < /span>To foster an ability to appreciate the significance of those rules of evidence for defendants in criminal cases.

  • ·  To develop competence in critically evaluating the law governing the admissibility of evidence in criminal cases.

  • To assist in the capacity to apply the law on criminal evidence to hypothetical situations in an effective manner.

    ·    

  • To inculcate additional electronic and bibliographic research skills, particular the ability to research the law of evidence and the policies underlying specific rules of evidence.

  • To aid students in the presentation of legal and critical argument re: criminal evidence both orally and in writing.


  • Learning Outcomes

    ·     hHave a reasonably good theoretical and doctrinal appreciation of criminal evidence principles.


    ·         extract the relevant law on criminal evidence from legislation and case law.

    ·     tTrace the development of the law on criminal evidence through legislation and case law.

    ·         demonstrate orally and in writing a thorough knowledge and understanding of the general principles of criminal evidence.

    ·      apply their knowledge of the law on criminal evidence to hypothetical factual situations.

    ·         identify gaps and ambiguities in the law on criminal evidence.

    ·     use traditional and electronic sources of material.

    ·     participate in group work.

           reflect on their understanding of the syllabus and use feedback to develop the quality of their work.

    ·         complete specified tasks with direction from academic staff.


    Syllabus

    Indicative Syllabus

     

    The law referred to in this module is that of England and Wales. The indicative syllabus outlined below is neces sarily not an exhaustive attempt to cover the entire scope of criminal evidence in this jurisdiction. Please also note that this module deals with criminal evidence and not civil evidence.


    ·         - Intro duction, general principles and terminology;

    ·         - Functions of the court and discretion;

    ·         - Burden and standard of proof;

    ·         - Course of trial;

    ·         - Competence and compellability;

    ·         - Corroboration and identification evidence;

    ·         - Forensic evidence (guest lecture);

    ·         - Evidence of character;

    ·         - Hearsay evidence;

    ·         - Confessions.



    Teaching and Learning Strategies

    Lecture -

    Lectures will outilne the basic principles of the law as they relate to the syllabus topics, together with some discussion of the context of those principles.

    Seminar -

    Seminars will be in larger groups of up to (but sometimes less than) 30 students. Questions for all seminars will be unseen. Students should still undertake the required essential textbook reading (and other reading, as appropriate) before attending. The aim is to make the seminars distinct from tutorials by allowing students to engage in discussion/assimilation of the law and, by undertaking discussion, to learn from one another and achieve a fuller appreciation of the legal issues at stake.


    Teaching Schedule

      Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
    Study Hours 24

    4.5

            28.5
    Timetable (if known) Lectures will outilne the basic principles of the law as they relate to the syllabus topics, together with some discussion of the context of those principles.
     
    Seminars will be in larger groups of up to (but sometimes less than) 30 students. Questions for all seminars will be unseen. Students should still undertake the required essential textbook reading (an
     
             
    Private Study 121.5
    TOTAL HOURS 150

    Assessment

    EXAM Duration Timing
    (Semester)
    % of
    final
    mark
    Resit/resubmission
    opportunity
    Penalty for late
    submission
    Notes
    Unseen Written Exam  2 hours and 15 minut  Semester 1  100  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Assessment 1 Notes (applying to all assessments) Unseen written examination. Two questions to be answered out of four. Questions will be set across all parts of the module. If a student fails the examination it may be re-sat at the next ordinary sitting (ie May/June the following year). The unseen examination is 2 hours and 15 minutes long. This includes a period of 15 minutes for reading time as per the Law School policy. 
    CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
    (Semester)
    % of
    final
    mark
    Resit/resubmission
    opportunity
    Penalty for late
    submission
    Notes
                 

    Recommended Texts

    Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.
    Explanation of Reading List:

    Other Staff Teaching on this Module

    Dr MJR Gibson Law M.J.R.Gibson@liverpool.ac.uk
    Mr AA Batesmith Law A.Batesmith@liverpool.ac.uk

    Modules for which this module is a pre-requisite:

     

    Pre-requisites before taking this module (other modules and/or general educational/academic requirements):

    LAW107  

    Co-requisite modules:

     

    Programme(s) (including Year of Study) to which this module is available on a required basis:

     

    Programme(s) (including Year of Study) to which this module is available on an optional basis:

    Programme:M100 Year:3 Programme:M129 Year:4 Programme:M102 Year:3 Programme:M108 Year:3 Programme:M107 Year:3 Programme:M103 Year:3 Programme:M106 Year:3 Programme:M101 Year:3 Programme:MZ04 Year:3 Programme:MZ11 Year:3 Honours Select Law Pathways Combined Honours

    Additional Programme Information