Studying online
There are now 2 possible online modes for units:
Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.
Click on an offering mode for more details.
Unit Overview
- Description
Evidence is about the adversarial trial, which is non-Aboriginal Australia's most formal – its ultimate – dispute resolution mechanism. It provides a means of determining disputed facts in order to assign legal liability, which is then the basis for an exercise of State (societal) power. This unit looks at evidence law as a set of rules which determine the process of a trial. Key questions include 'how best do we arrive at truth?' and 'what is the relationship between truth and fairness?'. The study of the rules of evidence is an examination of both substance and procedure. At a trial, two conflicting stories are told and after hearing the stories, a fact-finder (jury, judge or magistrate) must say 'yes' or 'no' to the story told by the prosecution/plaintiff. It matters, in determining that 'yes' or 'no', what information the fact-finder is allowed to be shown, what use they are allowed to make of what they are shown, and even how sure they need to be in order to say 'yes'. It is the rules of evidence which determine these matters. Students learn the major rules of evidence governing a trial under the Uniform Evidence Law, which applies in the federal jurisdiction and in most Australian states and territories. They extend skills of case analysis, legal reasoning and statutory interpretation by considering hypothetical scenarios. Is certain evidence admissible? If so, how can it be used and by whom? Is there enough evidence? Can it be countered? Students engage in critical analysis by exploring the concept of a fair trial as it appears in specific principles and underpins the system of evidence law as a whole.
- Credit
- 6 points
- Offering
(see Timetable) Availability Location Mode Semester 1 UWA (Perth) Face to face - Outcomes
Students are able to (1) demonstrate an understanding of (a) the Uniform Evidence Law; (b) the historical origins of particular rules of evidence; (c) the role played by the rules of evidence in proof in different forums; (d) the impact of the rules of evidence when preparing a matter for trial; and (e) the evidential requirements and analysis necessary for the purposes of proving a case; (2) demonstrate an appreciation for the potential impact of developments and reforms in evidence; (3) demonstrate an appreciation and understanding of (a) the ethical issues associated with the laws of evidence that constitute the trial; and (b) the fundamental role played by the laws of evidence in determining the proper administration of justice; (4) identify evidence needed to prove a client's case or disprove an opponent's case, according to the rules of evidence, and apply the rules of evidence to diverse factual scenarios; (5) engage in legal research at an advanced level using primary and secondary sources; (6) write a clear and concise answer to a hypothetical legal problem; and (7) demonstrate an appreciation of court etiquette and basic courtroom practice.
- Assessment
Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) tutorial participation; (2) mid-semester assessment; and (3) examination. Further information is available in the unit outline.
Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.
- Unit Coordinator(s)
- Aidan Ricciardo
- Unit rules
- Prerequisites
- Successful completion of
- Contact hours
- 4 hours per week
- The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
- All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
- Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
- Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.
Face to face
Predominantly face-to-face. On campus attendance required to complete this unit. May have accompanying resources online.
Online flexible
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit is asynchronous delivery, with NO requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online timetabled
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit includes some synchronous components, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online Restricted
Not available for self-enrolment. Students access this mode by contacting their student office through AskUWA. 100% Online Unit.
NO campus face-to-face attendance. All study and assessment requirements are online only. Unit includes some timetabled activities, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times. In exceptional cases (noted in the Handbook) students may be required to participate in face-to-face laboratory classes when a return to UWA’s Crawley campus becomes possible in order to be awarded a final grade.
External
No attendance or regular contact is required, and all study requirements are completed either via correspondence and/or online submission.
Off-campus
Regular attendance is not required, but student attends the institution face to face on an agreed schedule for purposes of supervision and/or instruction.
Multi-mode
Multiple modes of delivery. Unit includes a mix of online and on-campus study requirements. On campus attendance for some activities is required to complete this unit.