This text provides a clear comprehensive and practical account of the current legal framework which has undergone major changes in the last few years. Detailed coverage is given to the recent major legislative developments including the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999 and the Criminal Justice Act 2003, which have substantially overhauled the strict regime of evidential rules. The text also examines the recent significant Court of Appeal and House of Lords Judgements (including Johnstone, Sheldrake and Hayter) which have significantly altered various elements of the law of evidence. The text then presents an analysis of how the new evidential regime is likely to operate in practice and argues that much of the case law will have to be reconsidered and placed into context in the light of these legislative changes.

Table of Contents

Introduction to Criminal Evidence Giving Evidence The Burden of Proof Examination and Cross-Examination Evidence of Character in Criminal Proceedings Hearsay Evidence Confessions