The law of evidence underlies the whole practice of law, including, and probably most obvious, that of civil and criminal litigation, but also the various stages of the fact-finding process prior to litigation, including investigative processes and even alternative modes of dispute resolution. It is therefore imperative for legal scholars and practitioners to have a clear grasp of what constitutes relevant evidence, a thorough understanding of the rules of admissibility of such evidence, as well as the weight and tactical significance of evidence at the various junctures of a civil, criminal or other legal proceeding. Evidence generally refers to that information by which facts tend to be proved, and the Law of Evidence is that body of law and discretion regulating the means by which facts may be proved in courts of law and tribunals and arbitrations in which the strict rules of evidence apply. The Law of Evidence therefore forms part of the adjective (or adjectival) law and operates in tandem with the law of criminal and civil procedure. Upon completion of this course, students will have a thorough theoretical knowledge as well as a practical appreciation and awareness of the Law of Evidence as it is applied and developed in Hong Kong.

Continuous Assessment: 50%

Examination: 50%

Examination Duration: 3 hours