Uniform Evidence Law
Commentary and Materials
By: Miiko Kumar, Stephen Odgers, Elisabeth Peden
Uniform Evidence Law - Commentary and Materials, 4E has been updated throughout to provide essential case and legislative extracts and thoughtful, concise commentary covering the uniform evidence legislation in the UEL jurisdictions of the Commonwealth, New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania. This latest edition includes discussion of the following significant developments: Interpretations of discretionary exclusion (La Trobe Capital & Mortgage Corporation Ltd v Hay Property Consultants Pty Ltd [2011] FCAFC 4 and Director of Public Prosecutions v Marijancevic [2011] VSCA 355); Hearsay exceptions: interpretation of the freshness exception (R v XY [2010] NSWCCA 181); Important High Court decisions on opinion evidence (Lithgow City Council v Jackson (2011) 281 ALR 223 and Dasreef Pty Ltd v Hawchar [2011] HCA 21) and NSW developments that will provide interest in teaching (Wood v R [2012] NSWCCA 21); Significant decisions on tendency and coincidence (SJ v R; NS v R [2012] NSWCCA 9); Privilege (journalist privilege, self-incrimination and public interest immunity); and recent statements by the High Court on burden and standard of proof (Strong v Woolworths Ltd [2012] HCA 5).
AI Overview
The book "Uniform Evidence Law: Commentary and Materials" is a comprehensive legal resource written by Miiko Kumar, Stephen Odgers, and Elisabeth Peden. Here is a detailed overview of the book:
Key Themes
Uniform Evidence Law: The book focuses on the uniform evidence legislation in the Commonwealth, New South Wales, Victoria, and Tasmania. It provides a detailed analysis of the principles and rules governing the admissibility of evidence in these jurisdictions.
Case Extracts and Commentary: The book is updated with essential case extracts and thoughtful, concise commentary. This ensures that readers have access to the latest judicial decisions and interpretations of the evidence laws.
Admissibility of Evidence: The book covers various aspects of admissibility, including relevance, hearsay, opinion, admissions, tendency and coincidence, credibility, character, identification evidence, and privilege.
Proof and Burden of Proof: It also delves into the burden and standard of proof, judicial notice, facilitation of proof, corroboration, and warnings, as well as the prima facie case.
Case Files and Answers to Questions: The book includes case files and answers to questions, which are designed to help students and practitioners understand and apply the principles of evidence law.
Plot Summary
The book does not have a narrative plot but rather a structured approach to explaining the principles and rules of evidence law. It is divided into several parts:
- Part 1: Introduction - Provides an overview of the uniform evidence law.
- Part 2: Witnesses, Documents, and Real Evidence - Covers the foundational aspects of evidence.
- Part 3: Admissibility of Evidence - Explores the various grounds for admitting or excluding evidence.
- Part 4: Proof - Discusses the burden and standard of proof, judicial notice, and other related topics.
- Part 5: Case Files and Answers to Questions - Includes practical examples and questions to aid in understanding.
Critical Reception
While there is no specific critical reception mentioned in the provided sources, the book's comprehensive coverage and updates suggest it is a valuable resource for legal professionals and students. The inclusion of case extracts and thoughtful commentary indicates that the authors have aimed to provide a practical and authoritative guide to the uniform evidence law.
Authors
- Miiko Kumar: A legal academic with expertise in evidence law.
- Stephen Odgers: A well-known author of legal texts, particularly in the area of evidence law.
- Elisabeth Peden: An expert in legal education and evidence law.
Editions
The book is available in various formats, including a paperback, eBook, and a combination of both. The seventh edition was published in 2023 and is updated to reflect the latest developments in the field.