Module manager: Alex Batesmith
Email: A.Batesmith@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
Only one module from the list of pre-requisites is required.
| LAW1140 | Principles of Criminal Law |
| LAW1141 | Introduction to Criminal Law |
| LAW1260 | Criminal Law |
| LAW2060 | Criminal Law |
| LAW2065 | Criminal Law |
| LAW2066 | Criminal Law |
This module is not approved as a discovery module
On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of key evidentiary rules and principles and an understanding of the function of the law of evidence;
- Demonstrate a capacity to identify, analyse, evaluate and interpret significant legal, policy and ethical issues pertaining to the law of evidence;
- Provide reasoned and critical analysis of evidential issues;
- Apply knowledge to practical scenarios;
- Present legal argument coherently and fluently in writing.
This module aims to introduce key rules of evidence in the context of their rationale, their historical development, and modern criminal justice policy. It explores the connection between the rules of evidence and the nature of the common law adversarial trial and aims to promote critical awareness of the balance between the interests of the state and the individual.
The course will cover:
(i) Introduction and terminology;
(ii) Burden and standard of proof in criminal proceedings;
(iii) Witnesses;
(iv) The trial process; evidence-in-chief and cross-examination;
(v) Hearsay;
(vi) Judicial discretion to exclude relevant and otherwise admissible evidence;
(vii) Confessions;
(viii) Inferences from silence.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| On-line Learning | 5 | 1 | 5 |
| Lecture | 11 | 1 | 11 |
| Seminar | 5 | 1.5 | 7.5 |
| Private study hours | 176.5 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 23.5 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
The School is committed to providing an excellent student education and experience. This will involve a variety of teaching methods and follow a blended learning model, including meaningful on-campus in-person teaching for all students. Further information regarding teaching delivery will follow
A formative assessment opportunity will be provided.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | 3000 word Advice on Evidence OR a 3000 word Skeleton Argument in relation to a fictional legal scenario | 100 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated.
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 30/04/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team