"Evidence Law in Queensland" by J. R. S. Forbes is a comprehensive and authoritative text on the law of evidence in Queensland, Australia. Here is a detailed overview of the book:

Key Themes

1. History and Common Law Foundations: The book begins with a detailed chapter on the historical and common law foundations of evidence law in Queensland, providing a clear understanding of the development of these principles over time.
2. Evidence Act 1977–2016: The text provides a thorough commentary on the Evidence Act 1977 (Qld), including major amendments up to 2016. This includes sections on the competence, compellability, and cross-examination of witnesses, as well as procedures for taking evidence outside the court.
3. Witnesses and Evidence Procedures: It covers various aspects of witnesses, including their competence, compellability, and protection. It also delves into the procedures for taking evidence on commission and kindred procedures.
4. Proof of Documents: The book discusses the proof of legislative and official documents, as well as miscellaneous documents, interstate and overseas laws, and records of convictions in civil cases.
5. Hearsay and Documentary Evidence: It includes sections on documentary hearsay and the treatment of machine copies as originals.
6. Discretionary Exclusion of Admissible Evidence: The text addresses the simplification of proof and the discretionary exclusion of admissible evidence, as well as sentencing and similar facts.
7. Other Queensland Legislation and Commonwealth Evidence Law: It also covers other relevant Queensland legislation and provides an overview of Commonwealth evidence law.

Plot Summary

The book is structured to provide a comprehensive guide to the law and practice of evidence in Queensland. It starts with an historical context, then moves to a detailed analysis of the Evidence Act 1977 (Qld), including its amendments. The text is divided into several key sections, each focusing on a specific aspect of evidence law. It includes practical commentary and annotations on the Act, making it a valuable resource for practitioners and students alike.

Critical Reception

"Evidence Law in Queensland" has been widely praised for its reliability, comprehensiveness, and up-to-date coverage of the subject matter. The 14th edition, in particular, has been noted for its inclusion of new legislative additions, such as the qualified privilege for journalists, which provides statutory protection for journalists' confidential sources.

The book's longevity and the fact that it has been in publication for nearly 40 years since its first edition in 1986 are testaments to its utility and relevance in the field of evidence law in Queensland.

Editions and Publication

The book has been published in multiple editions, with the 14th edition being the most recent. It is available in various formats, including paperback and e-subscription, making it accessible to a wide range of users.

Conclusion

"Evidence Law in Queensland" by J. R. S. Forbes is an essential text for anyone practicing or studying law in Queensland. Its comprehensive coverage, historical context, and practical commentary make it a go-to resource for navigating the complexities of evidence law in the state. The inclusion of new legislative amendments and the book's long-standing reputation as a reliable guide make it a valuable addition to any legal library.