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Unit of study_
LAWS5106: Advanced Evidence
2025 unit information
This unit critically examines the law of evidence in Australia, with comparative insights where appropriate. Building on knowledge gained in the compulsory Evidence unit, we conduct a close and interdisciplinary examination of a variety of rules of evidence and their operation in different contexts. This will give students an appreciation of the goals of evidence law - which include factual accuracy, efficiency, and respecting institutional values such as democracy and human rights – as well as how well these goals are achieved. Alongside taking a close more critical look at some of the evidence principles covered in compulsory Evidence, we may consider new topics such as identification evidence and evidence of past sexual history. We also engage with how the law of evidence can result in miscarriages of justice, and subsequent reform. Comparative lessons are deliberately included. The unit will also draw upon insights from other disciplines, including psychology, where appropriate. The seminars will be interactive, with room for student presentations, discussion and group work.
Unit details and rules
Managing faculty or University school:
Sydney Law School
| Study level | Postgraduate |
|---|---|
| Academic unit | Law |
| Credit points | 6 |
|
Prerequisites:
?
|
LAWS5013 |
|---|---|
|
Corequisites:
?
|
None |
| Prohibitions:
?
|
LAWS3406 |
| Assumed knowledge:
?
|
None |
At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:
- LO1. critically analyse the law of evidence in Australia.
- LO2. critically analyse legal rules in other jurisdictions and determine what (if any) lessons might be learned for Australian evidence.
- LO3. evaluate legislative and policy reforms.
- LO4. employ advanced research and communication skills to convey knowledge in a clear and succinct manner to key stakeholders.
- LO5. examine ethical dimensions of the adversarial trial and the impact of evidential rules upon the individual.
Unit availability
This section lists the session, attendance modes and locations the unit is available in. There is a unit outline for each of the unit availabilities, which gives you information about the unit including assessment details and a schedule of weekly activities.
The outline is published 2 weeks before the first day of teaching. You can look at previous outlines for a guide to the details of a unit.
There are no availabilities for previous years.
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Modes of attendance (MoA)
This refers to the Mode of attendance (MoA) for the unit as it appears when you’re selecting your units in Sydney Student. Find more information about modes of attendance on our website.
