Expert Evidence

Subject LAWS70073 (2010)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2010.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 7 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2010:

July, Parkville - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: The total class time is between 24 and 26 hours.
Total Time Commitment: Visit the Melbourne Law Masters website for more information about this subject.
Prerequisites: Visit the Melbourne Law Masters website for more information about this subject.
Corequisites: Visit the Melbourne Law Masters website for more information about this subject.
Recommended Background Knowledge: Visit the Melbourne Law Masters website for more information about this subject.
Non Allowed Subjects: Visit the Melbourne Law Masters website for more information about this subject.
Core Participation Requirements: Visit the Melbourne Law Masters website for more information about this subject.

Coordinator

Assoc Prof Jeremy Gans

Contact

For the most up-to-date information about this subject, contact the Melbourne Law Masters Office by email at law-masters@unimelb.edu.au or phone 8344 6190 or alternatively visit the subject website: www.masters.law.unimelb.edu.au
Subject Overview:

This subject is primarily a detailed examination of the law and policy of the regulation of expert evidence in Australia, as well as comparative and reform movements of likely significance to Australia in the future, notably developments in the United States.
Principal topics will include:

  • The legal framework for regulating expert evidence
  • Debate and controversies about expertise
  • The admissibility of expert testimony
  • Restrictions on the conduct of experts
  • Use of expert evidence inside and outside courtrooms. The above topics will be illuminated through the study of specific instances of expert evidence, conduct and regulation that have prompted change, reform or controversy in Australia or other countries, especially the US.
Objectives:

A student who has successfully completed this subject should:

  • Appreciate the current controversies concerning the reception of expert evidence in Australian courts
  • Have a working knowledge of the major rules of evidence that regulate the evidence of experts (at common law and under the uniform evidence legislation)
  • Be aware of important comparative developments in the law of expert evidence
  • Be able to reflect upon the relationship between the courts, professional experts and the scientific community at an advanced level.
Assessment:

Take-home examination (100%) (3-6 September)
or
10,000 word research paper (100%) (14 October) on a topic approved by the subject coordinator
Prescribed Texts: Visit the subject website for more information
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills: Visit the Melbourne Law Masters website for more information about this subject.
Links to further information: http://www.masters.law.unimelb.edu.au/

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