Advanced Introduction To Evidence

This Advanced Introduction to Evidence delivers a comprehensive exposition of the major tenets of evidence law, principally from an American perspective. Using the Federal Rules of Evidence as a structural framework, Richard D. Friedman reflects on the underlying policies, psychological perceptions and philosophical viewpoints that underpin evidence law.

Elgar Advanced Introductions are stimulating and thoughtful introductions to major fields in the social sciences, business and law, expertly written by the world's leading scholars. Designed to be accessible yet rigorous, they offer concise and lucid surveys of the substantive and policy issues associated with discrete subject areas. This Advanced Introduction to Evidence delivers a comprehensive exposition of the major tenets of evidence law, principally from an American perspective. Using the Federal Rules of Evidence as a structural framework, Richard D. Friedman reflects on the underlying policies, psychological perceptions and philosophical viewpoints that underpin evidence law. This comprehensive and accessible book concludes that there are still several important factors that preclude a system of completely free proof, such as the need to prevent bias of the fact-finder, incentivise socially beneficial conduct, prevent undue intrusion on individuals' lives and ensure that testimony is given according to prescribed procedures. Key Features: Provides an incisive overview of the law of evidence Examines how common-law courts have become more receptive to evidence over the last 200 years Deftly explores the policies, concepts and philosophies that have resulted in 21st-century evidence law Analyses multiple factors that prevent the adoption of a legal system of completely free proof This masterful Advanced Introduction will be a wonderful study aid for students learning evidence law and a crucial read for scholars and academics across multiple disciplines including evidence law, criminal law, constitutional law, criminology, politics, and sociology. It will also prove a key resource for legal practitioners and professionals working in public and social policy.

This Advanced Introduction to Substantive Criminal Law explores the doctrines, issues and controversies in the substantive field of criminal law. Chapters cover important theoretical and doctrinal topics, including the justifications for state blame and punishment, the foundations for criminalization, the prima facie case, affirmative defences of justification and excuse, and sentencing. Stephen J. Morse uses copious concrete examples drawn from cases, statutes and extended case studies, including the intricate grading of homicide, to enliven the discussion.

This comprehensive Advanced Introduction provides an overview of contract law and contemporary contract theory. Demonstrating that an understanding of theory and policy is a vital aspect of being an effective practicing lawyer, Brian H. Bix explores which theoretical approaches can best explain and justify contract law, arguing for greater critical attention to the connections between contract law theory, practice, and teaching.

Leading scholar Tom R. Tyler provides a timely and engaging introduction to the field of law and psychology. This Advanced Introduction outlines the main areas of research, their relevance to law and the way that psychological findings have shaped – or failed to shape – the corresponding areas of law. Key features include focus on the relevance of psychological theories to topics in law, emphasis on the institutional realities within which law functions and discussion of the problems of bringing research findings into the legal system.

Taking a detailed tour through the emerging economic field of financial inclusion, this timely book charts the subtle conceptual shifts that gave rise to the focus on inclusivity in development finance, and provides an overview of key concepts, issues, and empirical findings. Diving into the crucial interaction of financial inclusion with gender, further chapters present new conceptual frameworks for thinking about these interactions, as well as discussing the impacts of gendered financial exclusion on both economic and empowerment outcomes.

Elgar Advanced Introductions are stimulating and thoughtful introductions to major fields in the social sciences and law, expertly written by the world’s leading scholars. Providing a concise overview of the basic doctrines underlying the UN Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods (CISG), Clayton Gillette explores their ambiguities and thus considers the extent to which uniform international commercial law is possible, as well as appraising the extent to which the doctrines in the UN Convention reflect those that commercial parties would prefer. With its compelling combination of doctrine and theory, this book makes an ideal companion for students and legal scholars alike. Key features include: • Concise and compact overview of the CISG • Includes contemporary developments • Provides a theoretical basis for evaluating international sales law • Considers perspectives of economic analysis of law.

This Advanced Introduction explores the difficulty of defining religion and the subsequent impact this has on creating laws which regulate and protect it. Taking a global comparative approach, Frank S. Ravitch guides the reader through how this unique interaction plays out in differing legal systems including in the U.S., Europe, and Asia. Providing further context by contrasting specific case studies, the book provides a rounded and coherent exploration of the complexities of law in relation to religion.