B723 Evidence

The law of Evidence regulates the proof of facts at trial. It focuses on the Federal Rules of Evidence (which have been adopted in most states), how they are typically interpreted, and how to apply them when making, responding to, or ruling on objections. Evidence is a core course and is a subject tested on all bar exams. It is usually taken in the second year, and is a prerequisite for Trial Advocacy and the advanced trial practice courses. Evidence is not recommended for accelerated 1-Ls because it assumes that students have completed criminal law, property, contracts, torts and civil procedure.

Evidence is regularly taught by Professors Orenstein, Tanford, and Bethel. There are no significant differences in coverage, but watch for:

a) Differences in number of credit hours. Prof. Tanford's section is always 3 hours, while other sections may be either 3 or 4 hours.

b) Prof. Tanford offers an electronic evidence option -- students may opt to take the course entirely electronically over the Internet. This track is aimed primarily at JD students who commute, are taking Evidence primarily as a bar exam course, or who need course scheduling flexibility. It also works well for LLM students who may have difficulty following rapid courtroom dialogue in colloquial English. The electronic version is not "easier." The substance is the same, the number of classes are the same, attendance is required and monitored, and the amount of time invested over the semester is the same as the live version.

c) In Prof. Tanford's section, all course materials including exam materials are distributed in electronic form via a course website, so a computer and the ability to work over the Internet are required.

d) Prof. Tanford's class usually meets on Thursdays and Fridays and attendance is required.

To see Prof. Tanford's course description, click here .
For more detailed information on Prof. Tanford's syllabus, class assignments, etc., go to the Evidence home page for the last time the course was offered.

Last updated 8/26/08