Course Descriptions

AJ 224 - Rules Of Evidence

• Prerequisite or Corequisite: AJ 101

This course is a thorough study of evidence rules with specific emphasis on the application of these rules in preparing and presenting evidence. This includes a discussion of the history and approach to the study of evidence, proof by evidence and substitutes. General admissibility tests, evidence by witness testimony, documents and real evidence are examined.

3 hrs. lect. per week

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of AJ 224, the student will be able to:

• Describe the historical development of the rules of evidence and explain the effect of that history on the rules finally adopted by the United States courts and legislative bodies;
• Articulate a fundamental understanding of the rules relating to the burden of the prosecution in proving guilt, and the procedures used in introducing evidence;
• Define the evidentiary concepts of relevancy and materiality.
• Identify and explain the underlying rationale for the various privileged communications;
• Describe the concept of hearsay evidence, the hearsay rule and the major exceptions to the hearsay rule with its attendant requirements;
• Define the concept of documentary evidence and describe its attendant foundational requirements of authentication and best evidence rule; and
• Identify and describe the concept of real evidence and its foundational requirements for admission into evidence