LGST 3680 - Law of Evidence for Legal Professionals

Goals: To provide an overview of the law of evidence, focusing primarily on the Federal Rules of Evidence but, where appropriate, distinguishing the Federal rules from the Minnesota Rules of Evidence.

Content: This course will cover the terminology, concepts and theories of the law of evidence, including methods of reasoning and of assessing reasoning strength and validity. In addition to becoming familiar with evidentiary rules, students will develop familiarity with Federal and Minnesota Rules of Evidence, identify evidentiary issues in hypothetical fact situations and, where appropriate, interpret and use formal symbolic and abstract representation to resolve evidentiary issues. The course will also emphasize the importance of collecting and preserving evidence, identifying necessary witnesses, and understanding appropriate techniques in introducing and objecting to evidence.

Taught: Annually

Prerequisite: LGST 1110 or CJFS 1120; LGST 1250 is also recommended

Note: Legal specialty course.

Credits: 4