The Modern Law of Evidence is well established and widely relied upon as a lucid, engaging, and authoritative exposition of the contemporary law of evidence. Straightforward and practical in its approach, this textbook also provides concise analysis of the theory behind the law, with the emphasis on recent discussion and current topics within the subject. The eighth edition has been carefully developed and updated to ensure that it remains a thorough and reliable resource for its readers. In particular, it provides: - Up to date coverage of all the developments in the law following the Criminal Justice Act 2003, especially in the areas of hearsay and evidence of character - A greater degree of evaluation and analysis of the law, to help students directly engage with areas of topical interest - Further reading sections, to guide readers forward in their studies This book is an ideal text for undergraduates and students studying on the BVC and LPC. It has been cited with approval by the highest appellate courts, thereby cementing its reputation as a useful reference for practitioners and judges. Online Resource Centre This book is accompanied by an Online Resource Centre, containing regular updates to the text, and a list of web links.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction; 2. Preliminaries; 3. Evidence obtained by illegal or unfair means; 4. The burden and standard of proof; 5. Witnesses; 6. Examination-in-chief; 7. Cross-examination and re-examination; 8. Corroboration and care warnings; 9. Documentary and real evidence; 10. Hearsay in criminal cases; 11. Hearsay admissible by statute in civil proceedings; 12. Hearsay admissible at common law; 13. Confessions; 14. Statutory inferences from an accused's silence or conduct; 15. Evidence of character: evidence of character in civil cases; 16. Evidence of character: evidence of the good character of the accused; 17. Evidence of character: evidence of bad character in criminal cases; 18. Opinion evidence; 19. Public policy; 20. Privilege; 21. Judgments as evidence of the facts upon which they were based; 22. Proof of facts without evidence

Author Biography

Adrian Keane is a barrister, Professor of Law and Director of Professional Programmes at The City Law School, City University, London. James Griffiths is a barrister, and Senior Lecturer at The City Law School, City University, London. Paul McKeown is a barrister, and Senior Lecturer at The City Law School, City University, London.