Unit

School Of Social Sciences

Law, Evidence and ProcedureWestern Sydney University Unit Code: 400294.2

Discipline: LEGAL STUDIES

Student Contribution Band: 1

Level: 2

Credit Points: 10

Prerequisite
400290 Introduction to Policing Practice

About this Unit
In 2010 this unit replaced by 101565 - Theories and Concepts of Policing. Authoritative and effective policing requires a working knowledge of the fundamentals of law, the legal process and the rules of evidence. This is particularly so when police are performing a prosecution role. This unit is predominantly concerned with key statutes and Common Law pertaining to criminal law and procedure in New South Wales. Fundamental rules of evidence under the general categories of relevance, reliability and fairness are scrutinised with some of the more difficult concepts relating to; the lawful gathering of evidence, hearsay, admissions, opinion, identification and circumstantial evidence, being examined in depth. The unit's focus is on the application of the laws and procedures relating to policing practice. Some of the less fundamental, yet integral procedures, revolving around court attendance and bail are also examined.