Evidence law constrains the process of proof at trial.  In this course, we will study the Federal Rules of Evidence, related case law, and federal constitutional doctrine. We will survey a range of evidence topics, including relevance, hearsay and its exceptions, confrontation, character evidence, impeachment, and expert testimony. A special emphasis in this evidence course is placed on how evidence rules are applied in the courtroom. To enhance learning, a range of teaching techniques will be used, including group exercises, interactive clicker response questions, film clips, and problems based on real trials.

By the end of this course, students should gain the following substantive knowledge and practical lawyering skills: (1) Master the substantive and procedural law of evidence, including the topics most tested on the bar examination; (2) Develop skill in legal analysis and reasoning, at both the trial and appellate levels; and (3) Engage in trial-level problem solving by applying different sets of facts to evidence concepts we learn in class.