CJS 352 Scientfc&ExpertOpinionEvidence

Evidence is to law what anatomy is to medicine (i.e., it is the structure upon which all other elements of a trial are built). This course deals primarily with the rules of evidence that apply to admission of scientific evidence and expert opinions in civil and criminal proceedings. The course will use the Federal Rules of Evidence (FRE) to examine the principles governing the use of evidence by those whose work can involve them in legal proceedings both civil and criminal (forensic psychologist, forensic scientists, social workers, police etc.). The course will specifically cover the nature of scientific and expert opinion evidence and evidence related issues surrounding the admissibility of such evidence. Particular attention will be paid to the creation and content of documents and records created prior to litigation and the possible use of these work products in subsequent legal proceedings. Students will be challenged in class through discussion and role playing by being asked to apply the rules and principles of evidence that frequently occur within their given fields of study. Spring