Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Evidence and Proof in Litigation

Credit Points: 12.00

Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

JUST2321

City Campus

Postgraduate

365H Global, Urban and Social Studies

Face-to-Face

 Sem 1 2020

Course Coordinator: Dr Brianna Chesser

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 9238

Course Coordinator Email: brianna.chesser@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: 37.04.20

Course Coordinator Availability: By appointment


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

Nil.


Course Description

In this course you will be introduced to some of the issues that arise from applying the rules of evidence in legal proceedings with particular emphasis on how those rules apply in the criminal law jurisdiction. You will study the rules and principles of evidence, and the role and use of evidence in trials. You will also consider the conduct of a ‘fair trial’ and evidentiary law reform.


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

   

On successful completion of the course, you will be able to:

  1. Describe the fundamental principles and concepts relating to the law of evidence;
  2. Identify some of the processes of the rules of evidence in criminal and civil jurisdictions;
  3. Explain rules of evidence through the use of case law and statute law;
  4. Break down factual problems into component parts, and apply the rules of evidence through the use of case law and statute law in the practice of problem solving;
  5. Apply legal research techniques in relation to the law of evidence;
  6. Outline theoretical and practical criticisms of the rules of evidence.


In this course, you will develop the following graduate capabilities:

  • Critical analysis and problem solving
  • Communication


Overview of Learning Activities

This course is generally delivered in a face-to-face mode with a blend of learning activities, which include lectures, seminars, problem solving, guest speakers presentations, case studies, videos, online activities, and student lead discussions. The course may be delivered online.


Overview of Learning Resources

RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through our online systems. There is generally a prescribed text for this course.


Overview of Assessment

You will be assessed on how well you meet the course’s learning outcomes and on your development against the program learning outcomes.  Assessment may include:

Task 1: Online activities, 20%, CLOs 1-3.

Task 2: Short problems, 1400 words, 30% CLOs 3-5. 

Task 3: Essay, 2000 words, 50%, CLOs 1-3, 6.

Feedback will be given on all assessment tasks.

If you have a long-term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or Equity Learning Services if you would like to find out more. Your course assessment conforms to RMIT assessment principles, regulations, policies, procedures and instructions which are available for review online: https://www.rmit.edu.au/about/governance-and-management/policies/assessment-policy