Module LAW3072 for 2016/7
- Overview
- Aims and Learning Outcomes
- Module Content
- Indicative Reading List
- Assessment
Undergraduate Module Descriptor
LAW3072: Aspects of Evidence
This module descriptor refers to the 2016/7 academic year.
Module Aims
The module is directed towards critical analysis of the exclusionary rules of evidence, of particular relevance to criminal trials. It aims (a) to provide you with an understanding of the adversarial trial structure and its impact on the content of the law of evidence, particularly in the context of the criminal trial; (b) to familiarise you with the content of some of the key exclusionary rules; (c) encourage you to identify and debate current issues within the law of evidence with confidence; and (d) to apply the legal rules and principles within a critical framework.
You will be expected to work independently and as a group. You are encouraged to learn from each other as well as from the tutor and to present what you have done orally in a suitably confident and coherent manner. Feedback will be given on formative assessments.
| On successfully completing the programme you will be able to: | |
|---|---|
| Module-Specific Skills | 1. demonstrate detailed knowledge of the law relating to the selected rules of evidence a range of major concepts such as hearsay, relevance, admissibility and probative value, to its application 2. demonstrate ability to select, integrate and present coherently and reflectively, orally and in writing, relevant law and legal/theoretical arguments |
| Discipline-Specific Skills | 3. demonstrate ability to apply legal knowledge to a problem/ case study and to suggest a conclusion supported by relevant arguments 4. demonstrate ability to integrate and assess information from primary and secondary legal sources using appropriate interpretative techniques |
| Personal and Key Skills | 5. demonstrate ability to interact effectively and proactively within a team/learning group, to share information and ideas, and to manage conflict communicate and engage in debate effectively and accurately, orally and in writing, in a manner appropriate to the discipline/ different contexts 6. demonstrate effective and accurate oral communication skills in a manner appropriate to the discipline / different contexts |
Module Content
Syllabus Plan
It is envisaged that the syllabus will include the following topics in the following order although precise content and order may vary.
Nature of evidence; relevance; burden and standard of proof.
The rule against Hearsay and exceptions to it.
Evidence in Chief; previous statements
Cross-Examination including sexual complainants
Categories of witness including vulnerable witnesses such as children and sexual complainants; expert witnesses and identification witnesses.
The content of the law is evaluated within a critical framework involving notions of truth, fact and probability, as well as the findings of forensic psychology.
Learning and Teaching
This table provides an overview of how your hours of study for this module are allocated:
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 28.5 | 121.5 | 0 |
...and this table provides a more detailed breakdown of the hours allocated to various study activities:
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching activity | 24 | 12 x 2 Hour Lectures |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching activity | 4.5 | 3 x 1.5 hour Interactive workshops. |
| Guided Independent study | 55 | Individual reading and lecture preparation |
| Guided Independent study | 20 | Workshop preparation |
| Guided Independent study | 40 | Assessment preparation |
| Guided Independent study | 6.5 | Formative assessment |
Online Resources
This module has online resources available via ELE (the Exeter Learning Environment).
How this Module is Assessed
In the tables below, you will see reference to 'ILO's. An ILO is an Intended Learning Outcome - see Aims and Learning Outcomes for details of the ILOs for this module.
Formative Assessment
A formative assessment is designed to give you feedback on your understanding of the module content but it will not count towards your mark for the module.
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Formative essay | 1,500 words | 1-6 | Written feedback |
Summative Assessment
A summative assessment counts towards your mark for the module. The table below tells you what percentage of your mark will come from which type of assessment.
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0 | 0 |
...and this table provides further details on the summative assessments for this module.
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essay one | 100 | 3,750 words | 1-6 | Written feedback |
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 |
Re-assessment
Re-assessment takes place when the summative assessment has not been completed by the original deadline, and the student has been allowed to refer or defer it to a later date (this only happens following certain criteria and is always subject to exam board approval). For obvious reasons, re-assessments cannot be the same as the original assessment and so these alternatives are set. In cases where the form of assessment is the same, the content will nevertheless be different.
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | Essay (3,750 words) | 1-6 | End of August/September exam period |
