Study

This course covers the limitations on the information that can be introduced in court codified in the Federal Rules of Evidence. We will first take up the issue of relevance, including the rules concerning the balance between the probative value and the prejudicial impact of evidence and the special problems of character and credibility. We will then address the rules pertaining to the reliability of evidence, particularly the prohibition against hearsay and its many exceptions, the constitutional constraints on the testimony offered during criminal trials, and the screening of scientific and expert testimony. The course concludes with an introduction to other evidentiary concepts, such as privileges and authentication. Assigned materials will include both cases and real-world problems that will allow students to put the rules into practice. We will also occasionally make use of films and other materials from popular culture.

Fall 2021

Course Number	Course Credits	Evaluation Method	Instructor
245.04	3	Final Exam Class participation	Shane Stansbury
Sakai site: https://sakai.duke.edu/portal/site/LAW.245.04.F21
Email list: LAW.245.04.F21@sakai.duke.edu