Principles of Evidence

Module Identifier: LC26520
Module Title: Principles of Evidence
Academic Year: 2026/2027
Semester: Semester 1
Co-ordinator: Dr Megan Talbot
Reading List: View on Aspire
Exclusive (Any Acad Year): LC36520
Other Staff

Assessment

Assessment Type	Assessment details	Assessment length	Proportion
Semester Assessment	Essay: 2000 Words		50%
Semester Exam	Unseen Examination:	2 Hours	50%
Supplementary Assessment	Essay: 2000 Words		50%
Supplementary Exam	Unseen Examination:	2 Hours	50%

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

Identify, understand and explain main rules of evidence.
Understand theories and principles of evidentiary rules.
Understand practical application of evidentiary rules.
Utilize and apply evidentiary rules into practical courtroom scenarios.
Discuss evidentiary rules and their application.

Brief description

The law of evidence governs the methods by which matters may be proved within the criminal legal process. The module covers the rules of criminal evidence in England and Wales.

Content

The module considers key concepts of evidence, including but not limited to: burden/standard of proof, character, hearsay, witness testimony, expert evidence, confession evidence, identification, improperly obtained evidence.

Module skills

Skills type	Skills details
Communication	Seminar discussions/activities will develop individual and group presentation and oral argument.
Improving own Learning and Performance	Seminar participation and exam will develop different aspects of academic research, from understanding and referencing sources through the dissemination of ideas to others orally, and developing written communication skills.
Information Technology	Library and research skills are fundamental to preparation for seminars and exam and assessed work.
Personal Development and Career planning	Recommended topic for any considering working in criminal practice/criminal justice system.
Problem solving	Seminar discussion/preparation and debate
Research skills	Research and preparation for seminars and exam.
Subject Specific Skills	Reading and understanding legal materials particular to the law of evidence.
Team work	Group activities and discussion in seminars.

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 5