Murphy on Evidence

Description

Murphy on Evidence frames the law in its practical context. Suitable for both undergraduates and BPTC students, the text is supported by a wealth of online resources based around two fictional cases, bringing the law to life, and developing a clear contextual understanding of the subject.

• Written by a former criminal practitioner with continuing strong links with the legal profession, the book effectively bridges the gap between theory and practice, ensuring that students gain a fully rounded understanding of the subject and appreciate how the law is applied in criminal and civil cases
• An authoritative reference in the common law world, the text is regularly cited in judgments and by law reform groups
• Two fictional case studies with a wealth of accompanying case documentation allow students to apply their growing knowledge
• Thought-provoking questions for discussion at the end of each chapter encourage a critical, problem-based approach to the subject

New to this edition

• The table of contents has been restructured to present a more narrative approach to the law as it would be encountered in a live case
• Analysis of the latest case law developments, with over 200 new appellate decisions referred to and discussed since the last edition, including: Rizan v Hayes [2016], Chief Constable of Lancashire v Wilson [2015] (on the burden and standard of proof); Hunter [2015] (on good character directions); Sullivan [2015], Prospere [2016], Mitchell [2016], Stewart [2016], Awoyemi [2016], Lunkulu [2015], Umair [2016], Muhedeen [2016], Hussain [2015] (on bad character evidence); Beghal v DPP [2016], Brown [2016], Property Alliance Group v The Royal Bank of Scotland [2016], RE v United Kingdom (2016) (on privilege); Wright v R [2016]; O'Donnell v United Kingdom (2015) (on remaining silent at court); Re R (Children) [2015], Bala [2016] (on competence and compellability)
• Discussion of new legislation and procedure rules, including: Serious Crime Act 2015; The Modern Slavery Act 2015; The Criminal Procedure Rules 2015

About the Author(s)

Richard Glover, Senior Lecturer, School of Law, University of Wolverhampton

Richard Glover is Senior Lecturer in Law at the University of Wolverhampton, and previously practised as a solicitor.

Table of Contents

1:Introduction to the law of evidence
2:The language of the law of evidence
3:The judicial function in the law of evidence
4:The burden and standard of proof
5:Proof without evidence
6:Witnesses: competence and compellability; oaths and affirmations
7:Examination-in-chief
8:Cross-examination and beyond
9:Corroboration and suspect witness warnings
10:The rule against hearsay I: Scope and working of the rule
11:The rule against hearsay II: Common law and statutory exceptions
12:The rule against hearsay III: Admissions and confessions
13:The rule against hearsay IV: The accused's denials and silence
14:Character evidence I: Character evidence generally; in civil cases; evidence of good character
15:Character evidence II: Evidence of bad character
16:Previous judgments as evidence
17:Opinion evidence
18:Public interest immunity and privilege I: Public interest immunity
19:Public interest immunity and privilege II: Privilege

Additional Resources

The book is accompanied by an Online Resource Centre, which contains:
· Supporting documents and multimedia resources for the two fictional cases, including
Prosecution and defence case papers
Police interviews (incl. transcripts, audio, and video)
Witness statements
Criminal procedure forms
Civil claim forms
· A range of multiple-choice questions enabling students to test their knowledge
· A list of useful web links

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