Evidence Law

This course provides an introduction to the basic principles of the law of evidence. Common law and statutory rules of evidence are analyzed in light of the adversary system, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and other social values. While both civil and criminal evidence issues are considered, the focus is on the admissibility of evidence in criminal cases. Topics to be covered may include: relevancy, testimonial competence, the rule against hearsay, opinion evidence, character evidence, privilege and related matters, confessions, and illegally obtained evidence.