LOE301 | Law of Evidence

The Law of Evidence is a core course of the B.A., LL.B. (Hons.) degree, as mandated by the Bar Council of India. In terms of subject matter, the course is standalone, though it will draw from courses on legal procedure, reasoning, and logic.

The present course approaches the subject of Evidence law from a doctrinal as well as practical perspective. It will cover the principles upon which the subject matter has developed, and its application through the Indian Evidence Act, 1872. Care has been taken to ensure that students are introduced to both theoretical and historical themes of the subject matter, as well also to ensure sufficient understanding and expertise develops through this course to be able to apply the law. Readings for the course range from case law to commentary on the Indian Evidence Act by its author. We also focus on several established textbooks on the law, as well as articles on specific issues. There will be thorough discussion of at least three trial court judgments and the recording and evaluation of evidence that occurs at the first level of adjudication.

The teaching style will be a variation of the Socratic method. Students will be expected to read in advance of classes and be able to quickly connect the readings to the subject matter of the class, which will be discussed. Classes will be focused on application and reasoning where students will be asked to actively respond to the teaching. The course is structured in a manner so as to first initiate students to the basics of evidence law and its historical development. Students are then introduced to conceptual distinctions in evidence law, and ways of thinking about the law of evidence. Further on, the course divides itself thematically to different areas of evidence law, and deals with them.