ISBN Lookup

AI Overview

The book "Uniform Evidence Law" by Stephen Odgers is a comprehensive guide to the uniform evidence law in Australia. Here is a detailed overview of the book, including key themes, a summary of its content, and critical reception:

Key Themes

  1. Uniform Evidence Law Framework:

    • The book provides an in-depth analysis of the uniform evidence law, which is applicable across various jurisdictions in Australia, including New South Wales, the Commonwealth, Victoria, Tasmania, the Australian Capital Territory, and the Northern Territory.

  2. Legislative Provisions and Case Law:

    • It thoroughly examines legislative provisions and case law, including High Court judgments. The book ensures that customers have the most updated text on the market, with up to a quarter of the legislative provisions reviewed annually.

  3. Expertise and Opinion:

    • The book discusses the importance of demonstrating that an opinion is based on expertise, as per section 79(2) of the Act. This includes examples from recent High Court judgments like Lang v The Queen.

  4. Discretionary Exclusion of Evidence:

    • It addresses the discretionary exclusion of evidence adduced by a criminal defendant because of prejudice to a co-defendant, as seen in McNamara v The King.

  5. Probative Value of Expert Evidence:

    • The book assesses the probative value of expert evidence when considering discretionary exclusion, as per sections 135 and 137 of the Act.

Plot Summary

The book is structured to provide a comprehensive guide to the uniform evidence law. It includes:

  • Annotated Legislation: The book features a popular and highly accessible annotated legislation format, which includes all participating jurisdictions' legislative provisions in full.
  • Comprehensive Commentary: It provides extensive commentary on the Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC) foundations of the law, making it an authoritative resource on evidence law.
  • Annual Updates: The book is an annual publication, ensuring that it remains current with the latest case law and legislative developments.

Critical Reception

While specific critical reviews are not provided in the search results, the book is widely regarded as a leading authority on uniform evidence law in Australia. Its annual updates and comprehensive commentary make it essential for barristers, courts, litigators, and students alike. The book's reputation is built on the unchallenged authority of Stephen Odgers' commentary, ensuring that it remains a premium product in the field of evidence law.

In summary, "Uniform Evidence Law" by Stephen Odgers is a critical resource for anyone involved in the legal profession in Australia, offering a detailed and up-to-date guide to the uniform evidence law. Its annual updates and comprehensive commentary make it an indispensable tool for navigating the complexities of evidence law.