Prerequisite: none
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Credits
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Offered
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This course surveys the law governing admissions and exclusions of evidence in state and federal courts, with an emphasis on the federal rules of evidence. Topics include foundational and other requirements for presenting and ensuring the reliability of various types of evidence (such as witness examination, witness competence, proper format for questions, objections, authentication and best evidence requirements for documents, and judicial notice); the relevance requirement and its limits; the general rule excluding hearsay evidence and its many exceptions; the admissibility of scientific evidence; writing; and the exclusion of evidence for policy reasons such as privilege. The course also examines procedural issues such as burdens of proof and appealing evidentiary issues. Students participate in brief exercises in which they practice offering and objecting to evidence.
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3
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Every semester |
