Rules of Evidence

Catalog description

3 Lecture. A practical insight into the rules of evidence to include how to recognize evidence: the general rules governing admissibility of evidence; the hearsay rule and its exceptions; the use of documentary evidence, written memoranda, photographs, recordings and electronic surveillance; corpus delicti; opinion evidence, circumstantial evidence, evidential privileges. Students will be able to: define the term issue within the context of the adversary system; describe admissible evidence in relation to relevancy; explain the reason for the exclusionary rule; describe the function of judge and jury; identify the criteria used to exclude witnesses; describe the use of past memory in the examination of witnesses; describe the use of memoranda for cross-examination of witnesses; describe the use of maps, diagrams, and models in testifying; define a leading question; describe the impeachment of witnesses; describe expert testimony; describe opinions permitted to be given by expert and lay witnesses; define the best evidence rule; define the hearsay rule; describe the exceptions to the hearsay rule; describe the categories of privileged communications; describe presumptions; explain the rules regarding legally seized evidence related to search and seizure, confessions, identification and electronic surveillance; describe illegally seized evidence; describe scientific evidence; define the chain of custody requirement.