Postgraduate Course: Epistemology and Evidence Law (PHIL11195)
Course Outline
School | School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences |
College | College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences |
Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 11 (Postgraduate) |
Availability | Available to all students |
SCQF Credits | 20 |
ECTS Credits | 10 |
Summary | This course applies theories and ideas from contemporary epistemology to questions and puzzles in the law of evidence - that branch of the law concerned with the proof of facts in legal proceedings. |
Course description |
This course applies theories and ideas from contemporary epistemology to questions and puzzles in the law of evidence - that branch of the law concerned with the proof of facts in legal proceedings. Topics to be covered include the presumption of innocence, the beyond a reasonable doubt standard of proof, sentencing and punishment, character evidence, forensic evidence and eyewitness testimony. The course may also cover, in any given year, topics of particular contemporary interest - such as the use of biometric evidence in criminal prosecution, and the 'corroboration rule' and 'not proven' verdicts distinctive of Scots law.
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Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
Pre-requisites |
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Co-requisites | |
Prohibited Combinations | |
Other requirements | None |
Information for Visiting Students
Pre-requisites | None |
High Demand Course? |
Yes |
Course Delivery Information
Not being delivered |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- demonstrate a detailed understanding of a selection of central topics and theories in epistemology and evidence law
- critically assess and compare arguments in epistemology and evidence law and deploy these arguments for themselves
- analyse complex arguments and concepts, and apply these abilities to topics in epistemology and evidence law
- write and discuss with greater clarity, rigour and structural transparency and develop appropriate research skills in philosophy
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Additional Information
Graduate Attributes and Skills |
Reading, understanding and critically engaging with research; critical thinking; constructive oral engagement; essay writing. |
Keywords | epistemology,evidence,law |
Contacts
Course organiser | Dr Martin Smith
Tel: (0131 6)50 3654
Email: Martin.Smith@ed.ac.uk |
Course secretary | Ms Olivia Coltman
Tel:
Email: ocoltman@ed.ac.uk |
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