675 Advanced Evidence (Seaman & Quinlan)

LAW675

Advanced Evidence

(Seaman)

Prerequisite courses: Evidence (LAW 453)

Prerequisite for:

Instructor(s): Alexandra Seaman

Course credit: 3

Method of presentation: Seminar 

METHOD OF EVALUATION

- A written assignment worth 50% focusing on a student-chosen, instructor approved, topic related to the themes of this course. Topics will be chosen about one month into the Course, reflecting a challenge and analysis into a perceived problem area in evidential jurisprudence, give an example from a reported case or inquiry, and make a suggestion for reform;

- An oral and audio visual presentation of the topic to the class worth 25%; and

- Class participation worth 25%

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This will be a seminar-based course focusing on in-class discussions with guest speakers, providing practice perspective and tips, including discussions about the ethical obligations and practical considerations of Crown and defense counsel in assessing evidentiary issues at the pre-investigative, investigative, charge, trial, sentencing, and appeal stages.

Topics may include Mr. Big operations, expert witness qualification (including mock qualification voir dires to examine ABCA direction in Jacobs and SCC pronouncements in Sekhon); confidential informant privilege, assessing evidence in wiretap, fraud, and other “mega” trials, challenging expert evidence; credibility; voluntariness rule; narrative evidence; raising reasonable doubt through faulty investigations, wrongful convictions; eyewitness identification issues; examining child witnesses; with all topics considered in light of recent jurisprudence.

SPECIAL COMMENTS

Description updated 2020-21. Please contact the instructor for any specific questions you may have related to this particular course section.

REQUIRED TEXTS (IF ANY)

All materials will be accessible online or via email.