Key facts
UNE unit code: LSSU261
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 1 - Online
- Trimester 3 - Online
- Yes
- No
- Yes
- 6
Unit information
This unit offers an introduction to the fundamental principles of the law of evidence as applied in the criminal and civil legal jurisdictions in NSW.
Referencing appropriate legislation and case law, it considers principles such as relevance, credibility, tendency and coincidence evidence, and the exceptions to the hearsay rule.
You will also examine the so-called ‘right to silence’—the inferences that a jury may draw from the failure of an accused in a criminal trial, or either parties in civil litigation, to give or lead evidence.
Additionally, you will develop your legal reasoning and critical thinking skills to formulate persuasive arguments and solutions.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | Online |
| Trimester 3 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- develop a broad understanding of the legal principles that apply to adducing evidence in court proceedings;
- use critical thinking and professional judgement in identifying and applying the fundamental rules of evidence and standards of admissibility, in solving problems associated with civil and criminal matters; and
- use initiative and professional judgement to analyse the relevant statutes and cases dealing with the rules of evidence to formulate persuasive legal arguments and solutions to fact based problems.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Final Invigilated Examination - Assurance Task | Yes | 50% | All offerings | There is a supervised exam at the end of the teaching period in which you are enrolled. The exam will be offered online with supervision via webcam and screen sharing technology. Coordinated by UNE Exams Unit. To pass this unit, you must achieve at least 50% in this task, and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. No. Words: 2000 |
| Mid Trimester Invigilated Examination - Assurance Task | Yes | 40% | All offerings | There is a supervised mid trimester exam in the teaching period in which you are enrolled. The exam will be offered online with supervision via webcam and screen sharing technology. Coordinated by UNE Exams Unit. To pass this unit, you must attempt this task and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. |
| Online Quiz | No | 10% | All offerings | Twenty (20) multiple choice questions online which are automatically graded. The questions evaluate your comprehension of content. |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
Australian Uniform Evidence Law: Principles & Context
ISBN: 9780409356489
Bellew, G., Arthur, J., Boas, G., Chifflet, P. and Vickovich, I., LexisNexis Butterworths 2nd ed. 2022
Text refers to: Trimester 1 (Online)
Australian Uniform Evidence Law: Principles & Context
ISBN: 9780409363036
Bellew, G., Boas, G., Chifflet, P., Freckelton, P. and Vickovich, I., LexisNexis 3rd ed. 2026
Text refers to: Trimester 3 (Online)
Note: Recommended material may be held in the University Library — purchase is optional.
Uniform Evidence Law; Commentary and Materials
ISBN: 9780455247656
Peden, E., Kumar, M. and Tynan, D., Thomson Reuters 7th ed. 2023
Text refers to: All offerings
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