Book review

Book review:

The Modern Law of Evidence

About the reviewer
Susan Lazer LLM LLB (Hons) FHEA solicitor (non- practising) course leader LLB MLP.

T he immediate impression made by The Modern Law of Evidence is one of academic rigour coupled with an engaging writing style. The book sets out all the key principles relevant to the study of evidence. The edition is comprehensive, and an excellent resource both as a core text and supplementary reading. It would also be a first-rate textbook for litigation practitioners working in civil and in criminal proceedings. The publication is suitable for those in the training stage of their careers, and will continue to provide an invaluable resource during a career in the litigation environment.

Evidence is an area approached with caution by both students and practitioners alike. The complexity of the principles, and the need to set those principles into the context of everyday legal scenarios, requires cross-disciplinary knowledge and a great deal of problem solving. The Modern Law of Evidence allows the reader to tackle each aspect of evidence in a clearly structured and logical format, bringing up-to-date developments together with established principles enabling the reader to understand how the rules operate in practice.

Of great importance to students and practitioners learning the basics of a new area, or seeking to understand the complexities of a particular aspect of the rules of evidence, is just how easy the text is to navigate. The reader can be absolutely clear, by reference to the concise, bullet-pointed key issues set out at the start of each chapter, what will follow.

There is no need to wade through pages of narrative to find information. The reader can move directly to the point they seek, and access the relevant statutory provision and case-law with ease. Those wishing to delve into a particular area have a broad range of further reading at the end of each chapter. A student developing research skills, or a practitioner wishing to track down authority on a point, has an outstanding resource to hand. The analysis of evidential issues running throughout is insightful and thought-provoking .

A very useful section for students of evidence is the blue box containing questions set out at the end of each chapter (following on from guidance on additional reading). These questions demonstrate how the principles considered are likely to arise in an assessment. Not only do these questions serve to ensure a deep and thorough understanding of the rules of evidence, but provide a treasure trove for students to guarantee the best preparation for exams. The questions are supported by note-form answers at Oxford University Press (OUP) Law Online Resource Centre.* Practising these questions is excellent preparation for assessment, and builds confidence in understanding complex and technical rules.

The text provides a good balance of descriptive content backed up by a useful range of authorities. Overall, The Modern Law of Evidence encourages critical analysis while remaining accessible and engaging. As with previous editions of this highly regarded textbook, the 11th edition provides a wealth of evidence law which is clear and accessible. The textbook is impressive in its authority and clarity, and continues to set the highest standard in its coverage of a challenging subject area. * Visit here

Book information
Adrian Keane and Paul McKeown , February 2016 (paperback edition) 9780198749295, 824 pp, OUP