Evidence in Context - 3rd Edition

Evidence in Context explains the key concepts of evidence law in England and Wales clearly and concisely, set against the backdrop of the broader social and theoretical contexts. It informs students of the major debates within the field, providing an explanation as to how and why the law has developed as it has.

This third edition has been expanded to cover the field of civil evidence alongside its traditional criminal focus. It has also been thoroughly revised and updated to take into account recent developments in the law and the considerable amount of case law that has emerged since publication of the previous edition. This edition includes a new chapter structure, with new chapters on the adversarial trial and suspect evidence.

Updated features include

self test questions and advice on further reading at the end of each chapter

key learning points which summarise the chapter as well as highlighting the most important issues

New and updated chapters on topics such as adversarial trial, witnesses and suspect evidence.

Addressing the evolving case law on subjects such as hearsay and bad character which were overhauled in the Criminal Justice Act 2003, this book is an essential purchase for anyone studying evidence law.


Contents

1. Introduction: Basic Concepts 2. The Adversarial Trial 3. Burden of proof 4. Witnesses 1: Competency, Compellability and Special Measures 5. Witnesses 2: Vulnerable Witnesses 6. Witnesses 3: Examination and Cross-Examination 7. Privilege against Self-Incrimination 8. Confession Evidence 9. Improperly Obtained Evidence 10. Suspect Evidence: Identification and Corroboration 11. Character Evidence 12. Hearsay 13. Opinion Evidence
Author Bio
Jonathan Doak is Professor of Law at Durham University. He has published widely in the fields of criminal evidence, victimology, and restorative justice.

Claire McGourlay is Professor of Law and Faculty Director of Undergraduate Student Affairs at the University of Sheffield where she teaches Criminal Evidence, Criminal Process and Criminal Law. She also runs the School of law Innocence Project and Legal Advice Clinic and has won awards for her contribution to student employability and inquiry based learning and a Senate Award for Excellence in Learning and Teaching.