Postgraduate coursework

LAWS6230 - Expert Evidence

Objectives

Examine the role of expert witnesses, their reports and their testimony in criminal and civil cases.
Focus on the accountability of expert opinions and upon the effectiveness by which experts are examined and cross-examined.
Scrutinise the common law and legislative rules of expert evidence and the rules of procedure that relate to the admissibility of expert evidence.
Explore the role and impact of expert evidence in a range of different forms of litigation.

Content

The principles, practices and procedures governing expert evidence in a variety of types of civil proceedings, including in relation to questions of liability and the quantification of damages; expert evidence in criminal proceedings, including the role of psychiatric and psychological evidence, in cases involving evaluation of fitness to stand trial; assessment of criminal intent; diminished responsibility and insanity; issues relating to prediction of dangerousness; post-traumatic stress disorder as psychiatric injury; the main forensic syndromes – battered woman syndrome; rape trauma syndrome; cult indoctrinee syndrome; repressed memory syndrome; child sexual abuse accommodation syndrome and parental alienation syndrome.

Session

Semester 1 Intensive
7-8 & 28-29 May 2010

The timetable is subject to frequent changes. Please refer to the latest version of the Postgraduate Timetable.

Assessment

1 x 3,500 Word Take-Home Exam (50%)
1 x 3,500 Word Assignment (50%)

Assumed Knowledge

Candidates without a law degree may enrol in this unit but should be aware that the unit focuses on legal and evidentiary issues.

Courses this unit is available in

Sydney Law School